Trucking, Warehousing Sectors Experience Uptick in Q1 Wage Growth: Study

In Q1 2025, trucking wages surged 16%, and job postings for frontline roles outpaced available candidates across nearly every major sector in the United States, according to the Top Frontline Industries by Demand and Wage Growth: Q1 2025 Report, presented by Resume Now and Talroo.

“Despite continued uncertainty across sectors and broader economic concerns, the need for skilled frontline workers remains strong, and in many industries, it’s growing," says Thad Price, CEO of Talroo. "From trucking to healthcare, employers are still struggling to fill essential roles that keep our communities running. This data provides a clear call to action: to invest in smarter recruiting strategies, support workforce development, and help more people connect with meaningful, high-demand jobs."

Key takeaways:

• These industries saw the largest mismatch between job postings (demand) and candidate supply (resumes) in Q1 2025 – trucking, manufacturing, retail, foodservices, warehousing, sales and more.
• The trucking industry continues to face a qualified labor shortage, resulting in fewer applicants per job and steady demand for new drivers. Job seekers with a CDL or logistics experience can find strong opportunities with competitive wages, although policy and economic changes in Q2 2025 may result in shifts.

• While the manufacturing and warehousing sectors remain in high demand, applicant availability has improved slightly compared to other industries. Despite being a particularly tumultuous policy time for this industry, job seekers with experience in logistics, production, or warehouse operations can still find ample opportunities.

• Trucking and warehousing experienced a 16% and 15% wage growth in Q1, respectively, hitting new heights not seen since 2022. This followed a protracted softening of wages dating back to 2023.
• Sales and foodservices experienced modest growth of 3%, reaching $16.95 and $16.13, respectively.
• Manufacturing was the only industry to see a (very) slight decline (-1%) in average frontline worker wages compared to Q1 2024, experiencing a turbulent start to 2025. It continues to grapple with the ripple effects of global tariffs and evolving social policies. Whether these measures will ultimately revitalize domestic manufacturing—and lift wages in the coming quarters—remains uncertain.

"With so many frontline industries experiencing labor shortages and rising wages, now is the perfect time for job seekers to position themselves for success," says Keith Spencer, career expert at Resume Now. "To stand out, workers should focus on crafting resumes that emphasize their most valuable skills. Truck drivers, for example, should highlight certifications like a CDL endorsement or experience with logistics software. Warehouse workers can showcase OSHA safety training and inventory management expertise. By tailoring resumes with industry-specific keywords and demonstrating problem-solving abilities, frontline workers can maximize their job opportunities and take advantage of the current hiring trends."