As of June 2026, Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers has an AI-exposure score of 51/100 (Elevated exposure) on the AI-Safe Careers index, blending O*NET tasks, the Anthropic Economic Index, the Penn/OpenAI study, and BLS data. This is an estimate of task exposure, not a prediction of job loss.

AI Exposure Score for

Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers

51/100
Elevated exposure
LowModerateElevatedHighVery High

More exposed than 36% of the roles we track. Median pay ~US$58,640. About 237,600 projected openings a year (BLS 2024–34 — growth plus replacement).

Pay & demand figures are US medians (BLS, in USD) — your local figures will differ. Your exposure score applies broadly.

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How you compare to similar Transportation roles

Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (you)
51
Ship Engineers
51
Flight Attendants
51
Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation
51
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
51
Subway and Streetcar Operators
51
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Your tasks, by AI exposure

Automatable
  • Operate equipment, such as truck cab computers, CB radios, phones, or global positioning systems (GPS) equipment to exchange necessary information with bases, supervisors, or other drivers.
Augmentable
  • Plan or adjust routes based on changing conditions, using computer equipment, global positioning systems (GPS) equipment, or other navigation devices, to minimize fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
  • Check all load-related documentation for completeness and accuracy.
  • Crank trailer landing gear up or down to safely secure vehicles.
  • Drive trucks to weigh stations before and after loading and along routes in compliance with state regulations.
  • Maneuver trucks into loading or unloading positions, following signals from loading crew and checking that vehicle and loading equipment are properly positioned.
  • Drive trucks with capacities greater than 13 tons, including tractor-trailer combinations, to transport and deliver products, livestock, or other materials.
  • Read bills of lading to determine assignment details.
  • Report vehicle defects, accidents, traffic violations, or damage to the vehicles.
  • Collect delivery instructions from appropriate sources, verifying instructions and routes.
  • Maintain logs of working hours or of vehicle service or repair status, following applicable state and federal regulations.
  • Perform emergency roadside repairs, such as changing tires or installing light bulbs, tire chains, or spark plugs.
  • Load or unload trucks or help others with loading or unloading, using special loading-related equipment or other equipment as necessary.
  • Perform basic vehicle maintenance tasks, such as adding oil, fuel, or radiator fluid, performing minor repairs, or washing trucks.
  • Check vehicles to ensure that mechanical, safety, and emergency equipment is in good working order.
  • Read and interpret maps to determine vehicle routes.
  • Check conditions of trailers after contents have been unloaded to ensure that there has been no damage.
  • Obtain receipts or signatures for delivered goods and collect payment for services when required.
  • Couple or uncouple trailers by changing trailer jack positions, connecting or disconnecting air or electrical lines, or manipulating fifth-wheel locks.
  • Inspect loads to ensure that cargo is secure.
Durable

No durable tasks identified for this role — its real, individually-assessed tasks consistently read as augmentable (95%).

Safer adjacent roles

Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators
80% skills overlap · Moderate exposure · ~US$46,420
46
Light Truck Drivers
72% skills overlap · Elevated exposure · ~US$44,860
57
Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders
64% skills overlap · Elevated exposure · ~US$58,870
58
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
56% skills overlap · Moderate exposure · ~US$61,770
44
Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining
48% skills overlap · Low exposure · ~US$74,500
38
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand
40% skills overlap · Moderate exposure · ~US$40,240
44
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors
40% skills overlap · Moderate exposure · ~US$49,690
43
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers
40% skills overlap · Elevated exposure · ~US$60,600
49

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Important: This is an estimate of AI exposure, not a prediction that your job will disappear. It is designed to help you understand how your role may change and improve your career resilience.

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Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers — median pay by US state (BLS OEWS, USD)

New York: US$62,050California: US$60,230Texas: US$56,290

Median annual wage, in USD. US national: US$58,640. More states are being added.

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