FAQ
Route Sales Driver FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a route sales driver.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a route sales driver: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about route sales drivers
Do I need a CDL?
For larger trucks, yes.
Is the job growing?
Yes, BLS projects faster than average growth.
Is pay commission?
Often partly commission.
How much does a route sales driver make?
The median annual wage for route sales drivers was $38,770 ($18.64 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $22,590 and the highest 10% earned more than $59,980.
How long does it take to become a route sales driver?
Most people need about A few weeks of training of training. A high school diploma and short-term on-the-job training are typical.
Do you need a degree to be a route sales driver?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus short-term on-the-job training.
Is route sales driver a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +7.9% from 2025–35 (much faster than average), with about 45,500 openings each year. Upsides include faster-than-average growth; a common challenge is that very early starts.
What skills does a route sales driver need?
Key technical skills include safe driving, merchandising, order taking, and sales. Employers also value friendliness, persistence, and reliability.
What certifications are available for route sales drivers?
Common credentials include CDL, Clean driving record, Sales training, and Food handler card. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Route Sales Driver fit quiz, compare with Delivery Driver, or explore Route Sales Driver training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 53-3031 (Driver/sales workers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Driver/sales workers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.