15 Best Jobs for People Who Like Driving

There are many jobs for drivers in almost any industry. To find the right driving career path, consider your skills, interests, and goals. Next, think about the vehicle and driving you like best. Knowing the salary levels and advancement opportunities for each career path will help you make the right decision.

Did you know that millions of people in the U.S. enjoy driving? A recent survey reported that 41% of millennials, 37% of Gen X and 34% of Gen Z love to drive.?

If you fall into this group, you can make a career out of one of your favorite activities. While driving a big rig or a bus is a little different than the average household car, the proper training and education can help anyone learn how to drive any vehicle to meet their career goals.

1. Professional Race Car Driver

Professional race car drivers compete with different vehicles depending on their division and class to earn prize money and prestige. There are many series for professional drivers to participate in, including:

• Formula 1 Racing
• NASCAR
• IndyCar
• World Rally Championship

Sponsors often help fund professional race driver operations to ensure their vehicles perform well in each race.?

Typical salary: $77,300

2. Automobile Transporter

An automobile transporter (or car hauler) uses a specialized trailer to move vehicles from one location to another. Also called car shipping, this service allows people to avoid wear and tear on their vehicles. Additionally, car dealerships may use this service as an alternative to trains when moving vehicles before sale.?

Automobile transporters may use open or enclosed trailers depending on the nature of the haul and move one or multiple vehicles simultaneously.

Typical salary: $58,437

3. Tanker Driver

Tanker drivers transport gas, liquid or dry bulk items using tanker trucks. These are specialists who often transport hazardous materials, so following strict federal, state and local regulations is a major part of this role.??

Typical salary: $57,731

4. Tow Truck Driver

Tow truck drivers work with dispatchers to tow vehicles due to the following circumstances:

• Accidents
• Parking or safety violations
• Breakdowns
• Car shipping

Tow trucks fall into either the “light-duty” or “heavy-duty” categories based on how much weight they can hold. This means that tow truck drivers may operate different types of tow trucks based on need. After attaching the vehicle to the tow truck, the driver tows the vehicle to a junkyard or service station.

Typical salary: $56,990

5. Driving Instructor?

Driving instructors teach students traffic laws and how to drive safely. Often, students work with a driving instructor before taking a practical driving test. Driving instructors teach students road rules, safe practices and how to operate a motor vehicle.?

Typical salary: $52,509

6. City Bus Driver

A city (or transit) bus driver transports people along a transit route with various stops on a set schedule. They allow passengers to come on and off the bus at each stop. Additionally, city bus drivers must collect passengers' tickets or fares before allowing them to ride.

Typical salary: $48,620

7. Truck Driver?

Sometimes referred to as a trucker, a truck driver hauls light, medium or heavy cargo to and from various destinations. Truck drivers may make short-haul deliveries in the surrounding area or travel across the country to make long-haul deliveries. Generally, longer hauls offer truck drivers higher pay, but short-haul drivers who transport more cargo can still earn a great income.

Typical salary: $48,310

8. Party Bus Driver

Party bus drivers transport passengers in a party environment within the vehicle. Usually, this type of bus driver operates a passenger vehicle that can hold 14 or more people at a time. Party bus drivers typically have several drop-off and pick-up points, so passengers may stop at various locations along the route.?

Typical salary: $42,593

9. Personal Driver

Also called private chauffeurs, personal drivers take their clients wherever they want. Typically, a personal driver will work exclusively for a person or company to transport specific people. Personal drivers should always know the best routes, maintain discretion and offer excellent customer service.

Typical salary: $37,788

10. Uber/Lyft Driver

Uber and Lyft are two of the most popular ride-sharing apps today.?

Passengers can quickly request a pickup and drop-off from locations around their city with their apps to make travel easy. Uber and Lyft drivers also use the apps to accept or decline rides based on where passengers want to go. Additionally, drivers use their vehicles (or rent vehicles) to transport passengers to their preferred destinations.

Typical salary: $37,602

11. School Bus Driver

A school bus driver’s primary goal is safely transporting students to and from schools. Most school bus drivers have dedicated routes assigned to them by the school district, so they pick up and drop off the same students each school day. Also, school bus drivers may shuttle students on field trips or to extracurricular events.

Typical salary: $36,642

12. Limo Driver

Limo drivers transport passengers in various limousines (stretch, convertible, etc.). Passengers may hire limo drivers for a specific event or time.?

Since limo drivers often have a set itinerary for each ride, they choose the best routes to maintain a timely schedule, all while offering excellent customer service. In addition, they clean and maintain the limousines to ensure they are always in top condition.

Typical salary: $35,435

13. Valet Parking Attendant

A valet parks and retrieves cars for customers. Various businesses, including hotels or restaurants, may offer valet services to customers as they arrive and depart from the building. Valet parking attendants must have experience with many types of vehicles and provide excellent customer service.

Typical salary: $33,040

14. Airport Shuttle Driver

An airport shuttle makes it easy for airport customers to travel from:

• Parking lots
• Terminals
• Hotels
• Car rental locations

Airport shuttle drivers ensure safe transportation to and from these parts of the airport or surrounding area. Customers may need help locating where to go or handling their luggage, so airport shuttle drivers also assist customers with these needs.

Typical salary: $30,000

15. Taxi Driver

A taxi driver is like an Uber or Lyft driver. However, the big difference is that taxi services charge passengers based on time, distance and additional surcharges. Some taxi drivers may work as private contractors, while others work for transportation companies.

Typical salary: $29,310

Final Thoughts on Jobs for Drivers

A driving job can be a fantastic opportunity for a skilled driver who enjoys being behind the wheel. Also, driving jobs can offer high incomes and advancement opportunities for those with the appropriate training and credentials. With experience, people in these roles can make even more money.?

Those who love vehicles and driving can easily find a driving job that matches their interests, especially since these career paths are all a little bit different.?

Whether you want a life on the road as a long-haul trucker or a career as a personal driver taking clients from point A to point B, there are options to consider.

Top Takeaways

15 best jobs for people who love driving

• There are many career opportunities for skilled drivers.
• Jobs for drivers exist in various industries, which means most people can find a driving career that matches their interests and skills.
• Considering typical salaries and advancement opportunities is a good idea for someone interested in one of these driving professions.

(Reporting by NPD)