Women in Trucking: Pay, Safety, and Life on the Road

Trucking has long been seen as a male-dominated profession, but that's changing. A new national survey of 437 truck drivers, including more than 150 women, sheds light on the experiences, challenges, and motivations of female drivers today. From pay equity and work-life balance to personal safety and community support, our data offers a detailed look at how women are reshaping the industry, and what still needs to change.

Key Takeaways

• 85% of female truckers would recommend the profession to other women or younger generations, and 89% report satisfaction with their work-life balance.
• Male truckers were nearly 2x more likely than females to regret becoming a truck driver.
• Only 31% of female truckers always feel safe sleeping in their truck at night, compared to 47% of men, and 72% of women have turned down trucking jobs, routes, or contracts due to safety concerns.
• 88% of female truckers use social media for trucking-related content, with 96% saying it reduces isolation and 85% saying it helps them feel safer and more prepared on the road.

Behind the Wheel: Why Women Choose Trucking Today

Women in trucking are generally happy with their career choice, and they would encourage others to follow their lead.

According to the survey, 85% of female truckers would recommend the profession to other women or younger generations, highlighting the growing appeal of trucking for those seeking independence, flexibility, and a steady income. A strong majority of female drivers (89%) also reported being satisfied with their work-life balance, challenging the outdated perception that trucking doesn’t allow for personal time or flexibility.

While women are embracing the industry, some pay disparities persist. On average, male truckers earn 20.5% more than their female counterparts. Individual experiences with pay can vary widely based on role, region, or employer. While 20% of women truckers felt underpaid, 70% felt fairly paid, and 11% actually felt overpaid. Interestingly, men were almost twice as likely as women to say they regretted becoming a truck driver.

Safety and Respect on the Road

Safety remains one of the top concerns for female truck drivers today.

Just 31% of female truckers said they always feel safe sleeping in their truck at night, compared to 47% of men. And that fear directly impacts business: nearly 3 in 4 women (72%) have turned down routes, jobs, or contracts due to safety concerns.

Unfortunately, some women continue to face harassment and discrimination while on the job. Thirty percent reported experiencing sexual harassment in their role as truck drivers, while 28% said they had faced gender discrimination. These numbers show that the industry still has progress to make when it comes to creating a safer, more inclusive work environment.

When it comes to respect on the road, perceptions vary based on gender. A full 93% of female truckers said they feel respected by other women in the industry, while only 69% said they feel respected by male truckers. This gap may influence how supported women feel day to day and underscores the importance of peer support in the field.

Top Changes Female Truckers Want to Happen in the Industry

1. Increase the number of women in leadership and decision-making roles (41%)
2. Implement stronger policies against harassment and discrimination (36%)
3. Ensure equal pay for equal work (35%)
4. Create safer and more respectful work environments (32%)
5. Provide mentorship and sponsorship programs for women (26%)

What Would Make the Job Feel More Inclusive, According to Female Truckers

1. Rest stop safety measures (51%)
2. Women-only or gender-neutral bathrooms/showers (49%)
3. Anonymous reporting channels for misconduct or bias (39%)
4. Clear and enforced anti-harassment and discrimination policies (33%)
5. Access to female or minority mentors (30%)

Highway Influencers: How Women Truckers Are Owning the Road on Social Media

Connection and visibility are playing a bigger role in women’s trucking experiences than ever before due to social media.

A large majority of female truckers (88%) use social media to find or share trucking-related content. For many, these platforms are more than entertainment; they're lifelines.

Among those who use social media, 96% said it makes them feel less isolated while on the road. Even more telling, 85% said it helps them feel safer and better equipped to deal with job challenges. This could include anything from route planning and vehicle maintenance tips to advice on avoiding unsafe areas.

TikTok in particular appears to be making a positive impact. Among female truckers who use the platform, 3 in 4 said it has helped improve public perceptions of women in trucking. That kind of visibility and normalization could encourage more women to join the industry and help foster respect among current drivers.

Closing the Gaps and Looking Ahead

As more women enter the trucking industry, they’re changing the culture, expectations, and sense of community on the road. Most female drivers today feel satisfied with their careers, value the flexibility, and would gladly recommend the profession to others. At the same time, safety concerns and respect gaps remain top issues to address. With the continued rise of social media as a tool for education and empowerment, women are finding new ways to connect, stay safe, and shift industry norms, one mile at a time.

Methodology

This study was based on a nationwide survey of 437 truck drivers conducted in December 2025. Of those surveyed, 35% identified as women and 65% as men. Respondents were asked a range of questions related to job satisfaction, safety, compensation, professional challenges, and their use of social media in relation to their work. 

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Fair Use Statement

You’re welcome to share or reference this data for noncommercial purposes. Please include a link to this page and credit Lance Surety Bonds for the original research.