For anyone considering a career in HGV driving, pay is naturally one of the first things you think about. Over the past few years, wages across the industry have changed, and many HGV drivers are now seeing higher wages and better earning potential than in the past.

Demand for qualified drivers remains strong across the UK. From the logistics sector to infrastructure and utilities, companies rely on skilled drivers to operate heavy goods vehicles and keep essential services running. As a result, many employers now offer competitive pay, overtime pay and improved working conditions to attract and retain good drivers.

But pay will vary depending on the type of role you choose. Some drivers work long-distance transport routes, while others operate specialist vehicles in industries such as drainage and infrastructure. At Lanes, these roles offer more variety than regular driving jobs, and are better suited to those who are looking to build practical skills and secure long-term career prospects.

Here, the recruitment team at Lanes explains how HGV driver salaries have changed, and what opportunities are available today for people who already hold an HGV licence or are thinking about entering the industry.

Are HGV drivers' wages going up?

Although the job market continues to evolve, the demand for HGV drivers remains high, especially for those with the right licence type and practical experience. Many employers now offer higher pay, overtime rates, premium pay for night shifts and night out allowances to make roles more attractive.

For anyone entering the industry today, whether you are a new driver gaining your HGV licence or someone with experience looking for the next step, this means there are more opportunities to build a stable and rewarding career than in previous years.

At Lanes Group, we see this demand first-hand as we continue to recruit drivers across the UK. Our HGV roles combine driving with hands-on work operating cutting-edge equipment that plays a crucial role in infrastructure projects, meaning our drivers develop practical skills while earning competitive pay and building long-term careers within an essential infrastructure sector.

Average HGV driver salary in the UK

The average HGV driver salary in the UK typically sits between £30,000 and £40,000.

However, many drivers earn more depending on experience, licence type and the kind of work they do. Drivers with Class 1 (C+E) licences and several years of experience can often earn significantly more than new drivers starting out with a Category C licence.

Several factors influence HGV driver pay, including:

• Licence type (Category C or C+E / Class 1)
• Experience level
• The goods transported
• Region of the UK (for example, wages can be higher in the South East)
• Overtime opportunities
• The employer type.

Drivers working night shifts, long haul routes or specialist transport roles may also receive overtime pay, premium rates or night out allowances, which increase total earnings.

Not all HGV jobs are the same

When people think about lorry driver or truck driver roles, they often picture long-distance freight transport. However, the industry offers a wide range of opportunities.

Some drivers prefer long-distance work across international routes or long-haul transport, while others prefer local roles where they return home regularly and work structured shift patterns.

There are also specialist roles where drivers operate vehicles fitted with equipment used in infrastructure maintenance, drainage and utilities work. These roles combine HGV driving with practical skills, creating a different type of career path for many drivers.

Driving roles at Lanes Group

At Lanes Group, driver roles are designed to offer something different from a typical delivery or freight driving job.

Our drivers work as driver operators, which means they are responsible not only for driving specialist vehicles but also for operating equipment used in drainage repair and maintenance. This can include tankers, jet vac units and high-pressure water jetting systems.

Working alongside engineers, driver operators clear blockages, inspect drainage systems and respond to urgent infrastructure issues. The hands-on nature of the work means every day can bring something new.

We recruit drivers across the UK for a range of roles, including:

• Tanker drivers
• HGV drivers
• Jet vac operators

Prior drainage experience is not required. As long as you hold a full UK driving licence, CPC qualification and digital tachograph card, we provide the training and practical experience needed to build new skills in the role.

Alongside competitive pay, plenty of rewards and benefits, flexible shift patterns, regular training and development opportunities, and overtime opportunities, these roles offer the chance to build a long-term career within a national infrastructure business.

A career with variety and progression

At Lanes, our driver operators combine vehicle operation, technical equipment handling and customer interaction, developing practical skills that go beyond standard freight driving. Because this work supports essential infrastructure, it also provides stable employment in a sector with consistent demand.

If you are interested in a driving career that offers varied work, practical skills and long-term progression, take a look at the current driver vacancies at Lanes Group to see what opportunities are available across the UK.

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