Any career which demands a high level of training and competence will be rewarded with a professional salary to reflect the hard work and effort undertaken by an individual. An HGV driver and PCV driver, in the main, is no exception to this rule.
The salary earned will not only be determined by age and experience, but will also depend on the level of HGV training undertaken and licence acquired. For example, a driver with category CE (class 1) should expect to earn more than a driver with just category C (class 2) entitlement.
Once qualified in the discipline of their choice, drivers can choose to opt for permanent employment, where they are guaranteed a set salary, or they can undertake agency work where they may be given a wide variety of short term positions to gain skills and experience.
Permanent LGV Driver Employment
The average salary of a permanent, full-time UK UK LGV driver is currently £24,700. So some drivers earn more than £24,700 and some earn less than £24,700.
A newly qualified HGV driver (cat C and CE) can expect to earn a salary in the region of £18,500 to £24,500 in permanent employment, while an experienced driver can earn in the region of £22,500 to £35,000 plus.
Pay rates will vary depending on the individual employer, as well specific job title and duties of the driver. When it comes to finding work new entrants do have a certain disadvantage as employers and insurance companies typically prefer applicants to have 2 years driving experience. This is not always the case however and conscientious employers will take on new drivers who have the right aptitude and attitude.
Temporary or Agency LGV Driver Employment
A large number of new HGV drivers opt to undertake work with agencies, driving for a wide variety of firms, in order to gain experience and improve their skills.
The disadvantage of agency work is that the pay rates can vary and drivers need to be aware of achievable hourly pay in line with their qualifications and expectations. Also, temporary work is just that, temporary. As a result continual work cannot be guaranteed.
Pay expectations for the various entitlements are listed below:
- Cat C1 (over 3.5 tonne but no more than 7.5 tonne vehicle). £6.50 to £11.00 per hour
- Cat C (over 7.5 but no more than 32 tonnes (under construction and use regulations) vehicle). £7.00 to £13.50 per hour
- Cat CE (class 1, articulated, drawbar type vehicle).£8.00 to £15.00 plus, per hour
The HGV Career Ladder
Once drivers have built up their knowledge and skills, there are still many ways in which they develop their career and improve their salary. HGV driving is not just about driving a truck. For example many HGV’s are fitted with a crane (HIAB) which must be operated by a suitably trained and qualified HGV driver.
Some drivers may also be required to transport dangerous (ADR) or high value goods which requires specialist training and certification. Some HGV drivers may even elect to become Operator CPC holders. Operator CPC training is required if you wish to become a transport manager or owner operator. It confirms the holder has a thorough knowledge of managing a commercial transport enterprise.
Each extra skill and discipline further enhances the HGV drivers knowledge and experience and this in turn should reflect a higher rate of pay.
Posted in: HGV/LGV
