Anyone envisioning a life on the road behind the wheel of a big rig can virtually choose his or her salary as drivers who have a commercial driver’s license are in high demand.

According to the Alabama Department of Labor, there were 4,173 help-wanted ads placed on the state’s online jobs database for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers in the month of June. That represents a 37.8 percent increase over June 2017 when 3,028 online ads were placed.

Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers earn a mean wage of $19.91 per hour, which equates to an annual salary of more than $41,000 per year.

George Scott, a driver recruiter for Clanton-based Merchants Foodservice, has been going to multiple career fairs looking to fill 10 positions. He said when you’re behind the wheel, the feeling of freedom and independence is overwhelming. He added the pay doesn’t hurt, either.

“Some make $40,000. Those are the ones that are beginners,” he said. “But the ones with a little more experience, they’re making anywhere from at least $50,000 to $70,000 to $100,000 or more.”

Scott said he doesn’t see the need for truck drivers decreasing any time soon, which means job security for them.

“The sacrifice is going to be great, and the reward afterward is going to be phenomenal,” Scott said.

Calhoun offering course

While some may believe heavy-truck driving is a man’s job, there are more than 200,000 female truck drivers in the U.S. Calhoun Community College wants to add to that pool by offering a CDL class for women only.

Day will classes will be offered from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from Sept. 4-27 at Calhoun’s Decatur campus. The four-week, 160-hour program will prepare students to pass the written and road tests for Class A or B license.

During the course, trucking company recruiters will meet with the classes and provide information regarding employment.

“Due to advancements in vehicle design, professional driving is more attractive and accessible to all demographics,” said a release about the course. “Many carriers are transitioning their fleets to all automatic transmission vehicles, with an increased focus on ergonomics, amenities and driver safety and comfort.”

For more information or to register for the class, contact Calhoun’s CDL office at 256-260-2462 or visit the website at www.calhoun.edu/cdl.

Funding opportunities are available to assist potential drivers with tuition for the class. Those interested should contact their local Alabama Career Center for eligibility.

— The Raycom News Network contributed to this report.