How Much Do Truckers Earn?

I made $143,560 gross last year running as a company driver. I am home 2 consecutive days a week, and I get 4 weeks vacation each year. Full benefits, med/dent/vis, 401k/100% match, and the company provides me an AI (artificial intelligence) that has been integrated into my truck's computer system that can operate the truck while I sleep.

 

Trucking is a business. There is no limit in how much you can make but you do not make the money just driving a truck. You have to expand.

Just driving you will make between $30,000 and $60,000. Some more some less.

Like any other business you have to learn.

 

there's a whole bunch of drivers that don't even make 30K...........

 

If there are drivers making less than $30/year, then they are doing something wrong and should find another company or profession. I have always earned a good living in this business. I have always managed to save money in trucking. Whether you are a company driver or owner operator, you should be making a good living and saving money. I don't know any drivers who earn less than $30/year.

 

Many of those same drivers wouldn't make 30k in any other field. I would have to move out of state to make anything near 30 grand if I decided to quit trucking.

 

Career Builder has a salary finder on the website. They say truckers average $32K. This is one job I've seen pay from $10/hr all the way to six digits. You don't see that in any career field.

One needs to do their homework, set goals and go after them. Too many drivers go by pretty ads with false promises, pretty trucks and pretty much take the first job or two that comes along. (Three pretty's in one sentence, lol)

If anything I hope the forum helps some find the right direction to make good money. You ain't gonna do it the first year, but by the second year you should see huge improvements. It took me about five years before I found that really good job. At five years you have a whole new outlook and you see the industry differently....seasoned!

You have to walk that mile before you drive it!

 

I have my own operating authority and I work 5 days a week run less than 1500 miles a week and make around 8-9k a month. By the time I pay for everything I make 3-4k a month

 

1500 miles a week? Thats super trucking right there. But it sounds like your grossing 1.40 to 1.50 a mile which isnt horrible.