A Guide To HGV Drivers’ Salary In The UK
Written by Jessie Lee & Reviewed by Peter Howitt
The UK’s transportation sector is a huge industry, with over 250 thousand Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers transporting goods and materials across the country every day.
These drivers play a crucial role in keeping the country’s economy moving, and as such, many of them are well compensated for their hard work.
If you are wondering how much HGV drivers earn in the UK, then this is the blog for you.
In this blog, we will discuss the average salary for the UK’s HGV drivers and the types of well-paid HGV jobs you can get in the transport and logistics industry. So, read on to learn more!
Factors That Affect The HGV Driver’s Salary
Before we move on to talk about the HGV driver’s salary, you should be aware that the salary of an HGV driver in the UK can vary widely depending on many factors.
These can be – the type of HGV being driven, the role of the job, the company that the driver is working for, and the driver’s level of experience and training.
The salary of an HGV driver can also be influenced by many other factors, including the local job market, the state of the economy, and the supply and demand level for HGV drivers.
Drivers who are willing to work hard, take on challenging assignments, and continuously improve their skills can potentially earn higher salaries over time.
Overall, the salary of an HGV driver in the UK can be very competitive, particularly for drivers who have a high level of experience and training, and who are willing to work hard and take on challenging driving assignments.
How Much Does An HGV Driver Earn On Average?
The average salary for an HGV driver in the UK is typically in the range of £25,000 to £35,000 per year. However, the exact amount an HGV driver can earn can be influenced by many factors, including some of the factors that we mentioned earlier.
For example, experienced HGV drivers who work for large transportation companies may earn higher salaries, up to £40,000 or more per year, while other HGV drivers who work for smaller companies, with less experience may earn lower salaries.
Furthermore, HGV drivers who have specialised skills, such as experience with oversized loads or hazardous materials (also known as ADR drivers), may also be able to command higher salaries, as these jobs often require further training and experience.
In addition to their base salary, many HGV drivers in the UK receive additional benefits, such as health insurance, pension plans, and paid time off, which can increase their overall earnings.
Some companies may also offer bonuses or incentives for safe driving, on-time delivery, and other performance-related factors.
The Best-Paid HGV Jobs In The UK
Now that we have a general idea of the average salary for HGV drivers in the UK and the factors that can influence the HGV driver’s annual salary, let’s look at some of the high-paying HGV jobs in the country, and what makes them so attractive to drivers.
Here are our top 7 high-paying HGV jobs in the UK:
1. Tanker Driver
Tanker drivers are also known as ADR drivers, they are responsible for transporting liquids or hazardous materials, such as petrol and diesel, from refineries to petrol stations.
These drivers can earn a minimum salary of around £32,000 per year, with experienced drivers earning upwards of around £42, 000 or more per year.
In some circumstances, drivers can earn upwards of £60,000 per annum if working night shifts and working some overtime hours.
The high level of responsibility that comes with this job, as well as the specialised training required, makes it an attractive choice for many HGV drivers who want to work in a challenging and rewarding field.
2. Articulated Lorry Driver
Articulated lorry drivers are responsible for transporting large and heavy loads, often over long distances. These drivers can earn a starting salary of around £25,000 per year, with experienced drivers earning upwards of £35,000 per year.
The level of the skills required and the demanding nature of this job make it a popular choice for many HGV drivers, who appreciate the challenge and the satisfaction that comes with delivering large loads safely and efficiently.
3. International HGV Driver/ Long Haul HGV Driver
Long-distance HGV drivers are responsible for transporting goods and materials across the UK and Europe, and often work for large logistics companies or haulage firms.
These drivers can earn a starting salary of around £25,000 per year, with experienced drivers earning around £40,000 to £45,000 or more annually.
The long hours and the long distances that these drivers must cover can make this job both challenging and rewarding, with many drivers relishing the opportunity to see new parts of the country and to work in a dynamic, fast-paced industry.
4. Refrigerated Lorry Driver
Refrigerated lorry drivers are responsible for transporting perishable goods, such as food and medicines, from factories to distributors; or from suppliers to stores.
These drivers can earn a starting salary of around £21,000 per year, with experienced drivers earning upwards of £33,000 or more per year.
The fast-paced and demanding nature of this job, as well as the need to maintain a strict schedule, makes it a popular choice for many HGV drivers who are looking for a challenging and rewarding career.
5. Tipper Driver
These drivers are responsible for transporting loose materials, such as soil, gravel, and sand, from one location to another. Tipper drivers typically earn well-paid salaries, with average salaries ranging from £25,000 to £35,000 or more per year.
Tipper drivers often deliver materials for construction and infrastructure projects, and the job can be fulfilling for those who like working with machinery because it involves operating hydraulic systems to tip the cargo out of the lorry.
6. Flatbed Lorry Driver
A flatbed lorry driver is responsible for transporting goods that can be loaded and unloaded from the vehicle using a crane or forklift. The cargo is typically secured with ropes or straps to prevent it from shifting during transport.
Due to the level of skill required, flatbed lorry drivers typically earn great salaries, with average salaries ranging from £23,000 to £35,000 per year.
Flatbed drivers often transport items such as construction materials, machinery, or vehicles. To be a successful flatbed driver required high organisation and problem-solving skills, as securing cargo on a flatbed lorry can be challenging, and finding solutions to secure awkward or heavy loads can be very rewarding for some drivers.
7. Curtain-Sided Lorry Driver:
These drivers are responsible for transporting goods that require protection from the elements, such as furniture, white goods, and electrical goods.
They transport a wide range of goods, which can make the job more interesting and varied. The driver typically earns good salaries, with average salaries ranging from £23,000 to £35,000 per year.
When compared to other types of HGV work, curtain-side lorry driving can be more efficient and less physically taxing because the driver can easily load and unload cargo by opening the curtains on each side of the vehicle.
Well, there you have it – 7 of the best-paid HGV jobs in the UK. While there are many more well-paid HGV jobs available, we can’t simply list them all in this article. We’ll let you explore them on your own.
In Summary
We think the UK’s transportation industry offers a range of exciting and well-compensated HGV jobs, each with its own unique challenges and rewards.
Whether you’re an experienced driver looking for a new challenge or just starting out in the industry, there is sure to be an HGV job that is perfect for you.
Are You Looking For A New Role In HGV Driving? Get In Touch With Us!
If you are a professional HGV driver looking for a new driving role, please check out our latest HGV positions available here.
Please do not hesitate to get in touch with ADR Network if you need help with signing up for our HGV driving work, our team is here to assist you.
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