What are the highest paid HGV jobs available?

Whether you’re considering a career in HGV driving for the first time, or looking to develop your skills with a specialist licence, potential salary is a key consideration. It’s true that HGV driving has many benefits in terms of flexibility, job security, opportunities, and variety. However, potential salary is an important factor for many of us, especially as the cost of living continues to increase. Transport and haulage is an industry with significant demand and offers some of the highest paying roles in the logistics sector. So, let’s look at how to go about HGV driver training, what you can expect in your employment, and where you can progress. 

What can HGV driving offer me?

In the UK, having an HGV or LGV driving licence opens up a range of opportunities in the logistics and haulage sectors. Whether you’re involved in local, national, or international deliveries, construction services, home removals, or waste management, there are several shared advantages to these roles.

Increased earnings potential

One of the main reasons many people switch careers is to earn more money. HGV driving can offer a substantial salary increase, especially for specialised roles. With the right training and licence category, you could be among the top earners in the industry.

Flexibility and independence

Unlike typical office jobs, HGV driving offers more flexible working hours. You get to enjoy varied days and the chance to manage your schedule better. This flexibility can be particularly appealing if you prioritise a work life balance.

Opportunities for development

HGV driving isn’t just about transporting goods from one place to another. It offers the opportunity to travel across the country and even internationally. This part of professional driving can offer real scope for personal development and fulfilment. Once you get started, there are specialist licences that you can gain, and management opportunities to continue your professional development. 

The HGV training process

To become an HGV driver in the UK, you must go through specific training and qualify for the necessary licence category. At the HGV Driver Training Centre we provide constant support for the entire training process. So all you need to do is get in touch, and we’ll help you from there! Here’s a quick overview of what this involves:

1. Training course: Your training course will see you through the skills needed to pass your HGV driving test. At the HGV Driver Training Centre, we’re here every step of the way.
2. Provisional HGV licence: We help with your application for a provisional HGV licence. All you need is a current full car driving licence. We’ll help you decide which licence category to apply for, and advise on completion of the medical part of the form.
3. Theory and case studies: As soon as you can, it’s worth studying for the theory elements of your test. These are parts 1 and 2 of the process and involve case studies and multiple choice questions.
4. Practical tests: Parts 3a), 3b), and 4 of the HGV driving test all take on different types of practical demonstration. You’ll gain all of the practice that you need with the HGV Driver Training Centre to pass with confidence. 
5. Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC): You must pass the initial CPC qualification, which is made up of parts 2 and 4 of the HGV driving test. You must then complete 35 hours of periodic CPC training every 5 years to maintain your HGV licence. You’ll be glad to hear that the HGV Driver Training Centre provides that too!

Which HGV licence for which job?

HGV driving is fairly diverse, with a selection of licence types that cover a variety of different vehicles and their associated job roles. As a general rule, the larger and more complex the vehicle, the higher the average salary. So if you want to optimise your salary potential, it’s a good idea to aim for the most comprehensive licence, which is the C+E licence category.  

Category C1 licences

A C1 licence category entitles you to drive rigid bodied vehicles weighing between 3,500kg and 7,500kg. This licence covers roles such as ambulance driving and local delivery vehicles. You can extend this driving category with a Category C1+E licence. This entitles you to drive vehicles in the C1 category with an additional trailer over 750kg (the total mass of the vehicle must not exceed 12000kg). Driving roles here might include roadside recovery, and some supermarket delivery vehicles.

Category C licences

A category C licence allows you to drive vehicles over 3,500kg (with a trailer up to 750kg). This is a popular HGV licence for nationwide delivery, logistics and construction roles. Salaries for these jobs typically reach up to £35,000 per year. As we mentioned, the highest licence category is achieved by adding a trailing entitlement to a category C licence with the category C+E licence. With a Category C+E licence, you can drive larger articulated lorries in transportation roles which often come with a higher salary potential of up to £50k. 

Advanced skills licences 

One of the great things about a career in HGV driving is the breadth of specialist skills that you can add to your CV. This keeps you learning, developing and progressing through your career. These two specialist licences are a great way to expand your earning potential. 

HIAB licence

A HIAB (Hydrauliska Industri AB) licence allows you to operate lorry-mounted cranes. This specialisation can significantly boost your earning potential and keep you in demand. HIAB drivers are among the best paid in the industry, thanks to the additional skills required to operate the crane equipment. On average they earn up to £50k per year.

ADR licence

An ADR (Accord Dangereux Routier) licence is necessary for transporting hazardous materials. Drivers with this certification are in high demand due to the risks and responsibilities associated with transporting hazardous materials. With this licence, you can earn over £50,000 per year. This makes it one of the most lucrative specialisations in HGV driving.

Commencing your career in HGV driving offers numerous benefits, from increased earnings to greater job flexibility and travel opportunities. The training process is so straightforward with the HGV Driver Training Centre. We’ll make sure you gain the right licence categories so you can quickly start earning a competitive salary. Just get in touch to open up your next opportunity.