What does a delivery driver do? Duties, pay, education and outlook
Delivery truck drivers and driver/sales workers pick up, transport and drop off packages and small shipments within a local region or urban area. A high school diploma and a state driver's license are typical. BLS reports a median pay of $43,950 per year (May 2025).
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| SOC code | 53-3031 |
| O*NET code | 53-3031.00, 53-3033.00 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Median annual wage | $43,950 per year (May 2025) |
| Projected growth | 7 percent (much faster than average), 2025 to 2035 |
| Number of jobs | 1,511,400 (2025) |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, accessed 31 October 2026.
What does a delivery driver do?
BLS says delivery truck drivers load and unload cargo, communicate with customers about pickup and delivery needs, report road incidents to a dispatcher, follow traffic laws, report mechanical problems, keep the truck and equipment clean and working, and accept payments and handle paperwork such as receipts.
Work environment
The work is physically demanding, with a lot of lifting, carrying and walking during loading and unloading. Food services and drinking places employ 39 percent of driver/sales workers, wholesale trade 25 percent and retail trade 9 percent. Couriers and messengers employ 37 percent of light truck drivers.
Education, training and licensing
BLS says a high school diploma or equivalent is typical, with short-term on-the-job training of 1 month or less. Drivers need a driver's license from the state where they work and a clean driving record.
Skills that matter
BLS lists customer-service skills, hand-eye coordination, math skills for handling cash, patience, sales skills for driver/sales workers and passing a state vision test as important qualities for this work.
How much does a delivery driver make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $43,950 for delivery truck drivers and driver/sales workers (May 2025). The median is the wage at which half of workers earned more and half earned less. See the OOH pay tab and the OEWS data for your area. Our guide to researching pay explains how to read the figures.
Job outlook
BLS projects employment of delivery truck drivers and driver/sales workers to grow 7 percent from 2025 to 2035, which BLS labels much faster than average. For comparison, BLS projects 3 percent growth for all occupations over the same period. About 152,700 openings are projected each year on average. BLS says most openings come from replacing workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force, for example to retire.
How to get hired
- Keep your driving record clean and ask employers about insurance and vehicle rules before you apply.
- Show results on your resume: the tools you used, the volume you handled and the outcomes, without private customer or employer details.
- If you lack experience, see the no-experience resume guide.
- Practice with the interview prep hub.
When you are ready, search jobs on LiveRec.
Related occupations
Truck drivers, Hand laborers and material movers, Logisticians, Customer service representatives.
Frequently asked questions
Do delivery drivers need a CDL? BLS says drivers need a driver's license from the state where they work and a clean driving record. A commercial license is not listed for this occupation.
How much training do delivery drivers get? BLS lists short-term on-the-job training of 1 month or less.
How much do delivery truck drivers and driver/sales workers make? BLS reports a median annual wage of $43,950 for delivery truck drivers and driver/sales workers (May 2025). Half of workers earned more and half earned less. Pay varies by employer, region and experience.
Is delivery driver a good career? BLS projects 7 percent growth from 2025 to 2035 (much faster than average). About 152,700 openings are projected each year. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, so read the duties and work environment above.
Related guides
- What Does a Truck Driver Do? Duties, Pay, Outlook
- What Does a Warehouse Worker Do? Duties, Pay, Outlook
- What Does a Logistician Do? Duties, Pay and Outlook
- Customer Service Representative: Duties, Pay, Outlook
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Delivery truck drivers and driver/sales workers: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/delivery-truck-drivers-and-driver-sales-workers.htm (accessed 31 October 2026)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, 53-3031.00: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/53-3031.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, 53-3033.00: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/53-3033.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.