Jet Fuel Tanker Operator Salary
Jet fuel tanker operators transport fuel from distribution plants to airport and other aviation facilities for use in private, commercial and military aviation. The role requires a Class A commercial driver's license and extensive experience in tractor-trailer driving. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) classifies jet fuel transporters as "Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers." Professionals across the industry earn an average salary of approximately $39,000 annually.
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Salary Range
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According to May 2010 data from the BLS, aerospace product tractor-trailer drivers earn an annual mean wage of $50,710. This translates to an hourly rate of $24.38 when factored out over a standard 40-hour work week prior to tax and benefit deductions. This rate is 23 percent higher than the national average salary for all truckers, which the BLS reports is $39,450 annually, or $18.97 per hour.
Salary Versus Other Industries
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BLS data indicate that aerospace product drivers earn some of the highest wages in the truck driving industry, including more than those in road transportation support, cement and concrete and other specialty contractor hauling. Of all tractor-trailer industries, only drivers in the U.S. Postal Service (with an annual wage of $54,040,) express delivery service ($53,900) earn higher wages than aerospace product haulers.
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Salary by State
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According to industry data nationwide, haulers in Alaska earn a higher annual wage than truck drivers in any other state. Haulers in that state earn $48,250 per year, some 19 percent more than the nationwide average. Tractor-trailer drivers in the New York City metropolitan area out-earn drivers in all other U.S. metropolitan areas with an annual mean wage of $46,120. States offering the lowest wage to truck drivers, or less than $37,000 annually, include Florida, Idaho and West Virginia.
Relevant Background and Skills
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All aspiring jet fuel tanker operators must posses a clean driving record and a Class A commercial driver's license, or CDL. Many trucking companies prefer candidates with at least two years' experience in the bulk fuel hauling industry, have hazmat certification and be familiar with rules and regulations overseeing fuel tankers. A candidate's driving record, criminal background and employment history undergo intense scrutiny prior to the offering of positions in the industry. Newly hired drivers often undergo several weeks of on-the-job instruction from a senior or supervisory level driver prior to taking command of their own route.
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References
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wages; 53-3032 Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers, May 2010
- Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition; Truck Drivers and Driver/Sales Workers
- "Bulk Transporter"; Star Transportation Shines as Fuel Hauler; Charles E. Wilson, January 2008
- Star Transportation, Inc.; Employment Qualifications for Company Drivers
Resources
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