How Much Do Class A & D Drivers Earn in Ontario?

Imagine filling up a truck before a long trip. You check the tank, the oil, maybe even the snacks in the cab, because if you are going the distance, you want to know you have enough to keep going. So if you’re wondering how much truck drivers make, the same idea applies. Before you start your first shift or commit to getting a license, you want a clear sense of the paycheck you’re heading toward.

In Ontario, truck driving pay is not one-size-fits-all. A Class A commercial driver hauling long-haul freight to Manitoba will have a different salary compared to a Class D driver moving local construction materials. The good news? With clear numbers, real examples, and a breakdown of what affects those figures, you will see exactly where your potential earnings stand.

First, What Exactly Are Class A and Class D Licenses?

Class A – The Heavy Hitter

• Allows operation of tractor-trailers and other heavy combination vehicles
• Often used in long-haul freight, interprovincial transport, and specialized loads like tankers
• Requires passing a road test, a knowledge test, and usually an air brake endorsement

Class D – The Local Workhorse

• Covers straight trucks over 11,000 kg gross weight, with or without a trailer up to 4,600 kg
• Common for dump trucks, delivery trucks, and short-haul freight

   

• Fewer testing requirements compared to Class A, but still needs an air brake endorsement for most jobs

Here is a quick comparison table for clarity

How the Ontario Trucking Pay Structure Actually Works

Truck driver pay is often influenced by your compensation structure, not just how much. Ontario companies may pay:

• Hourly: More common for local and regional routes
• Per mile/kilometer: Often for long-haul Class A positions
• By load: Certain dump trucks and specialized haul jobs
• Salary: Less common, usually for fixed-route corporate roles

Here’s a Stat That Is Hard to Ignore

According to the Government of Canada Job Bank, Ontario truck drivers (all classes combined) earn between $20 and $35 per hour, with the median wage standing at $25 per hour. That’s before factoring in overtime, bonuses, and benefits.

Real Example to Make It Clear

A Class A driver in Mississauga working for a refrigerated freight company may be paid 55 cents per mile. If they drive an average of 2,400 miles a week, that’s $1,320 per week before taxes or around $68,640 annually.

By contrast, a Class D dump truck driver working in Hamilton might earn $28 per hour on a 50-hour workweek, bringing in about $72,800 annually with overtime.

Did You Know?

Some Class A drivers in specialized niches, such as hazardous material hauling, can exceed $100,000 annually in Ontario, especially when factoring in per diem allowances for long-haul trips.

How Pay Varies Across Ontario

Not every city in Ontario pays the same for truck drivers. The difference can be thousands of dollars per year, depending on location.

Key takeaway: Class A drivers in high-demand regions with cross-border routes can earn more per mile, while Class D drivers benefit most from construction-heavy areas like the GTA.

Here Is How Experience Changes Your Pay

Much like a rookie driver learning to handle icy Ontario roads, salaries grow with time behind the wheel.

• 0–2 Years’ Experience – $20 to $25 per hour for most local and regional roles
• 3–5 Years’ Experience – $25 to $30 per hour with access to better contracts and routes
• 5+ Years’ Experience – $30 to $35+ per hour for senior drivers or specialized hauls

Industry-Specific Pay for Class A vs Class D

A Closer Look at Dump Truck Pay

Driving a dump truck falls under Class D licensing in Ontario and has its own salary patterns.

Here’s How It Works

Dump truck drivers often work seasonally in construction-heavy months (April to November) with overtime pay in peak times.

Quick Example

A GTA dump truck driver working 55 hours a week at $28/hour during an 8-month season could bring in around $49,280 for that period, and many transition to snow removal in the winter for added income.

Here Is a Stat Worth Knowing

According to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, there are over 100,000 licensed truck drivers in the province, with Class D drivers making up nearly 40 percent. This keeps competition steady but also shows that demand remains strong across both license classes.

Factors That Can Boost Your Pay Immediately

• Getting your air brake endorsement (Z)
• Taking hazardous material handling certification
• Applying for cross-border clearance for US routes
• Gaining winter driving experience for Northern Ontario contracts

Real-Life Example: From New License to Higher Pay in 2 Years

Here’s the profile:

• Name: “Mark” (Class A)
• Location: Mississauga, Ontario
• Starting Pay: $22/hour (local deliveries)

Year 1

Mark started with a small regional freight company, taking routes within 200 km of Toronto. He worked 45 hours a week and averaged about $51,480 annually.

Year 2

He upgraded with an air brake endorsement (Z) and took cross-border certification. His employer moved him into long-haul work between Ontario and Michigan, paying 55 cents per mile. His annual income rose to $72,000, plus an extra $4,000 in safety bonuses.

Key takeaway: Licensing upgrades and specialized route clearance can add $20,000+ to annual pay in under two years.

Salary Ranges at a Glance

Here’s the Basic Rule

The more specialized your role, the higher the pay. Class A drivers hauling oversized loads, refrigerated goods, or dangerous materials can see top-tier pay. Class D drivers handling dump trucks, cement mixers, or tow trucks during peak construction months can earn seasonal bonuses and overtime that push their annual income higher than many entry-level Class A jobs.

Short Checklist to Increase Your Earnings Quickly

• Complete safety and compliance training recognized by MTO
• Keep a clean driving record for at least 3 years
• Be open to night shifts and weekend work (often higher pay rates)
• Build relationships with logistics agencies for contract work in slower months

Here Is a Stat That Stands Out

It was reported that Ontario’s transportation and warehousing sector employs over 300,000 people, with truck drivers being the single largest occupational group in that category. This means more job postings, more seasonal contracts, and more opportunities to negotiate better pay.

Ontario Truck Driver Seasonal Pay Calendar

A Class D dump truck driver working on municipal snow removal from November to March can bring in $65,000 annually in a five-month window when factoring in overtime and night shift premiums. Meanwhile, a Class A driver running refrigerated freight in December can see weekly paychecks over $2,000 with holiday rates.

Conclusion: Turn Your License Into Steady Pay

Whether you choose Class A for the long hauls and higher-mileage pay or Class D for local jobs and steady construction work, both paths can lead to substantial earnings in Ontario. Knowing how much truck drivers make depends on your license type, location, experience, and willingness to take on specialized roles.

If you are preparing for your Class A or Class D test, www.commercialdriver.ca offers free practice tests and study resources tailored to Ontario’s requirements. Whether you aim to become a Class A commercial driver or want to learn more about ‘driving a dump truck salary’, start your prep today and move one step closer to turning your license into a steady paycheck!