Top 10 States for OTR Drivers: Find Your Home Base!
As a truck driver, your home base is more than just a spot to park during your home time. Choosing the right home base is essential for truck drivers as it has impacts on freight hubs, job opportunities, and general route efficiency. Living near major transportation centers can reduce deadhead miles and increase load availability, while proximity to a carrier’s terminal may lead to better assignments and quicker maintenance times.
Additionally, being close to family, healthcare, and schools contributes to a healthier work-life balance.
Working as an over-the-road truck driver gives you the upper hand when determining when to settle, as you can generally be based in any state. Some restrictions may apply depending on the company you work for and their general range of operations, but those are a case-by-case scenario. Some carriers may require a driver to park at their terminal during home time, so it’s important to have conversations with your recruiter to determine the best move for your situation.
If you’re considering a move, here are the top 10 states (in no particular order) that OTR truck drivers rate amongst the best to live in:
All average salaries listed are based on data from ZipRecruiter. Data is self-reported by truck drivers and includes all levels of experience. View the full list with more detailed information here.
1. Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is a great place for truck drivers to live thanks to its central location, strong job market, and driver-friendly environment. Home to nearly 7,500 carriers, work is never hard to find.
- Key Freight Corridors: I-76, I-80, I-95.
- Home Time Benefits: Proximity to major distribution centers.
- Cost of Living: 2.5% below the national average.
- Average Yearly Salary: $82,017
2. Ohio
Ohio is a strong choice for truck drivers looking for a good place to live and work, thanks to its central location, affordable living, and steady freight demand.
- Key Freight Corridors: I-70, I-71, I-75, I-80.
- Home Time Benefits: Good for drivers running Midwest and East Coast routes.
- Cost of Living: 8.2% below the national average.
- Average Yearly Salary: $77,786
3. Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a solid choice for truck drivers thanks to its strong manufacturing base, central location, and driver-friendly cost of living.
- Key Freight Corridors: I-94, I-90, and I-43
- Home Time Benefits: Central Midwest location with access to major trucking corridors.
- Cost of Living: 6.9% below the national average.
- Average Yearly Salary: $82,585
4. Illinois
Illinois is a prime state for truck drivers to live due to its central U.S. location, massive freight volume, and strong infrastructure, especially in Chicago.
- Key Freight Corridors: I-55, I-57, I-80, I-90, I-94.
- Home Time Benefits: Great for the Midwest, East Coast, and general cross-country freight.
- Cost of Living: 1.1% below the national average.
- Average Yearly Salary: $79,286
5. Texas
Texas is one of the best states for truck drivers to live and work due to its massive size, booming economy, and nonstop freight movement. Currently hosting over 66,000 trucking companies, you’ll have plenty of options when choosing a carrier to work for.
- Key Freight Corridors: I-10, I-35, I-45, I-20.
- Home Time Benefits: Central location allows for easier scheduling.
- Cost of Living: 2.8% below the national average.
- Average Yearly Salary: $76,228
6. Indiana
Indiana is an excellent place for truck drivers to live thanks to its central location, low cost of living, and thriving freight industry, known as the “crossroads of America”.
- Key Freight Corridors: I-65, I-70, I-74, and I-69.
- Home Time Benefits: Trucking-friendly infrastructure and road network, and excellent Midwest connectivity.
- Cost of Living: 7.8% below the national average.
- Average Yearly Salary: $77,857
7. Wyoming
Wyoming serves as a vital link between the Midwest and the West Coast with its strategic access to major western freight corridors.
- Key Freight Corridors: I-80 and I-25
- Home Time Benefits: Quiet, rural living with access to scenic, wide-open landscapes with consistent freight from energy, agriculture, and mining sectors.
- Cost of Living: 9.2% below the national average.
- Average Yearly Salary: $78,647
8. Minnesota
Minnesota is a great place for truck drivers to live due to its strong freight economy, central location in the Upper Midwest, and solid infrastructure.
- Key Freight Corridors: I-35, I-90, and I-94.
- Home Time Benefits: Reliable freight demand from agriculture, food, and manufacturing, as well as a balanced lifestyle with both city amenities and small-town charm.
- Cost of Living: 1.6% below the national average.
- Average Yearly Salary: $80,136
9. Nebraska
Nebraska is a strong choice for truck drivers thanks to its central U.S. location, steady freight demand, and low cost of living.
- Key Freight Corridors: I-80
- Home Time Benefits: Minimal traffic congestion, affordable housing, and a trucking-friendly business climate.
- Cost of Living: 9.6% below the national average.
- Average Yearly Salary: $78,011
10. Oklahoma
Oklahoma is a great place for truck drivers to live due to its central location, thriving energy and agriculture sectors, and affordable living costs.
- Key Freight Corridors: I-35, I-40, and I-44
- Home Time Benefits: Trucking-friendly infrastructure and road network offers a comfortable and practical lifestyle for drivers.
- Cost of Living: 11.7% below the national average.
- Average Yearly Salary: $75,547
Whether you’re planning a temporary move or settling in for the long haul, it’s important to carefully consider which state best aligns with your needs and lifestyle.
At Melton Truck Lines, we have terminals across multiple states and our drivers can live anywhere within the continental United States. No matter where you’re based, you can expect to be on the road for 2 to 3 weeks at a time, with flexibility on where and when you can take it.
Ready to get rolling? Connect with our recruiters today and learn how we can help you hit the road with Melton.
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