A HAZMAT certified driver can transport hazardous materials, which are substances capable of posing a risk to health, safety, property, or the environment. As defined by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Some of these substances include materials like explosives and flammable liquids, corrosives, and some consumer goods like aerosols and lighters.
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Examples of Hazardous Materials
Here’s a list of examples of common hazardous materials that may be hauled by HAZMAT truck drivers.
- Explosives
- Flammable Gas
- Non-flammable Gas
- Poison Gas
- Flammable Liquids
- Flammable Solids
- Spontaneously Combustible
- Oxidizers
- Organic Peroxide
- Poisons
- Infectious Substances
- Radioactive
- Corrosives
These examples were found on the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations website linked in the references below.
Common Requirements of HAZMAT Driver Jobs
If you’re a hard-working, self-motivated individual with a positive attitude, this may be a good job for you. Generally, you’ll need to possess a Class A or B CDL with Hazmat & Tanker or X endorsement to qualify. As far as driving experience goes, you’ll probably need about 1-2 years of commercial driving experience and be able to pass a background screening.
Fact: Some companies will hire a driver with their CDL-A and then allow them to earn their HAZMAT and Tanker Endorsements.
Often a HAZMAT driver job will entail travel so you’ll need to be willing to travel or occasionally travel. A flexible schedule that will enable you to work overtime, weekends, holidays, or different shifts on short notice is a big plus.
HAZMAT Driver Salary Information in 2023
While the average salary of a tractor trailer truck driver was $55,990 in 2023. [BLS], a HAZMAT driver normally gets paid quite a bit more than that due to the experience and additional endorsements required. Here’s a list of HAZMAT driver jobs starting salaries and the general location where the job was posted during our research.
- HAZMAT Driver in Florida – $75,000 – $98,000 per year
- Local Class A CDL Hazmat Driver in Georgia – $77,000-$90,000 per year
- Local Hazmat Tanker Driver in Texas – $85,000-$105,000 per year
- Tanker Driver in Texas – $85,000 – $115,000 per year
- Class A Fuel Delivery Driver in California – $69,000-$110,000 per year
- Local Class A CDL Hazmat Tanker Driver in California – $90,000-$100,000
- CDL Class A Fuel Driver in Tennessee – $88,000-$102,000
The above salaries were gathered in 2023 from jobs posted on popular job boards like CDL Job Now, Indeed, and Monster. I think we’d all agree that the pay for a HAZMAT driver is pretty good! If truck driving is the career for you, search for a truck driver job near you now.
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