Wheels That Pay The Bills
Not every career starts with a cubicle or a punch clock. Some begin with a seatbelt click and the hum of an engine. If you like your office on four wheels and don’t mind a little tire wear, there’s a whole world of jobs built around driving. Some are high-speed, others low-key—but all keep you moving. Ready to see how far the road can take your paycheck? Let’s roll through 20 careers that drive it home.
1. Truck Driver (Long Haul)
The American Trucking Association reports that over 72% of U.S. freight, by weight, is transported by long-haul truckers. More than 3.5 million drivers hit the roads annually, often logging over 100,000 miles. With FMCSA’s 11-hour driving cap, many earn about $53,090 a year moving goods across the nation.
2. School Bus Driver
Every school day, drivers transport approximately 25 million children across the United States. These positions also require background checks and special CDL endorsements. With a median annual pay of nearly $39,000, it's a stable job with high responsibility and one of the safest records in passenger transport.
3. Ride-Share Driver (Uber/Lyft)
Uber and Lyft have over 2 million drivers in the U.S. Most earn around $21 per hour before expenses, based on Gridwise data. Though flexible, the job requires constant availability, passion, a reliable vehicle, and staying informed of the evolving state labor laws like California’s AB5.
4. Delivery Driver (Amazon, UPS, FedEx)
Walking 7 to 10 miles a day, lifting boxes nonstop, and racing delivery windows? That’s just a regular shift for many urban drivers. UPS alone had over 100,000 delivery drivers in the U.S. as of 2022. And Amazon’s DSP drivers typically deliver 250 to 300 packages every day.
5. Taxi Driver
Roughly 288,753 U.S. drivers still rely on taxi meters, per Statista (2022). NYC’s medallion system once valued licenses at $1 million, though prices dropped below $150,000 by 2023. Yellow cabs still clocked over 60 million rides that year despite stiff competition from app-based services.
6. Paratransit Driver
Paratransit drivers serve riders with mobility challenges. They also follow flexible routes and receive specialized training in accessibility and safety. The job pays approximately $22 an hour and supports over 100 million trips annually, according to the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center.
7. Tow Truck Driver
These operators respond to emergencies, breakdowns, and illegal parking calls. So, expect late calls and strict rules for towing massive equipment. With $8.7 billion in industry revenue, it's a steady field with average pay near $43,000.
Ildar Sagdejev (Specious) on Wikimedia
8. Driving Instructor
Instructors must pass certification exams and background checks. They train future drivers in behind-the-wheel skills and safety protocols. This role is especially helpful for teen drivers aged 16 - 19, who are three times more likely to be in fatal crashes than older drivers.
9. Chauffeur / Private Driver
Chauffeurs drive clients in luxury vehicles, often under strict confidentiality agreements. High-end services in cities like L.A. can earn you $50,000–$80,000 per year. A for-hire license is typically required as the work blends discretion, punctuality, professionalism, and elite service.
10. Race Car Driver
Race car driving is a high-risk, high-reward profession. It’s also a career on demand since the U.S. hosts over 1,300 auto races annually across major leagues like NASCAR and IndyCar (Statista, 2023). Drivers need to train from a young age and face extreme G-forces on the track to be qualified.
11. Bus Driver (Public Transit)
City traffic and passenger safety all fall under a transit driver’s daily grind. These roles often come with union perks. Bus drivers receive extensive training on route navigation, ADA compliance, and emergency evacuation protocols, typically lasting 6–8 weeks.
McGill Productions on Unsplash
12. Driving Examiner / DMV Tester
Not all driving careers involve passengers—some involve judging them. DMV testers ride shotgun, evaluating applicants’ driving skills, decision-making, and safety. Examiners must maintain impartiality while documenting infractions in real time and adhering to standardized scoring rubrics.
Oregon Department of Transportation on Wikimedia
13. Mail Carrier (USPS)
While much of the job involves walking, driving is still central to delivering mail to thousands of homes. Carriers operate USPS vehicles through daily routes. They drive over 231,000 USPS vehicles, including the iconic Grumman LLVs, which average only 10 mpg.
14. Mobile Pet Groomer
Custom vans double as grooming salons for this mobile trade. Therefore, driving between clients is an integral part of the business model, with routes often mapped for optimal efficiency. Annual earnings can top $70,000. States like California also regulate vehicle conditions for animal safety.
Marley Industries - Diamond Pro Grooming Van Conversion by Marley Industries
15. Ice Cream Truck Driver
Seasonal ice cream truck operators often work around parks and summer events, as the target buyers are between 25 and 45 years old. Cold storage systems must maintain 0°F as required by the FDA Food Code. Vendors also need city permits, food safety clearance, and background checks.
16. Film/TV Stunt Driver
Stunt drivers don’t just wing it. They’re trained at stunt academies, follow coordinated rehearsals, work with modified cars featuring roll cages, and operate only with a medic and stunt lead on set—all to keep danger thrilling but controlled.
Alan & Flora Botting on Wikimedia
17. Fire Truck Driver (Engineer/Operator)
Fire apparatus drivers must cruise 60,000-pound vehicles through traffic at high speed. They complete EVOC training and hold commercial licenses. The EVOC training is meant to enhance rapid response readiness and safety. They also need to have quick reflexes and judgment, which are essential in emergencies.
18. Food Truck Operator
Driving is only part of the job, but it’s vital. Operators handle kitchen-on-wheel setups that rotate across busy zones. Start-up costs can reach $150,000, and success hinges on mobility, location, timing, and permit compliance. Operators must pass quarterly inspections and meet fire and health department codes.
19. Medical Transport Driver (Non-Emergency)
Patients needing reliable rides to healthcare appointments rely on these drivers. Routes are often scheduled through Medicaid or private contracts. Additionally, CPR training and mobility assistance are a must for the job. The sector serves over 59 million trips annually, based on MTAC data.
Ford GoRide Non-Emergency Medical Transport by Motorward
20. Driving Tour Guide
Most cities require a CDL with a passenger endorsement and local knowledge certification. In places like D.C. and New Orleans, guides must pass historical content exams. Daily routes can span over 200 miles on longer itineraries, and it is also one of the careers with seasonal tips.
