When you are out with a mentor, you are on the clock. You are not paid by the mile. When you are on duty, not driving, you get your state's minimum wage. When you are on duty, driving, you get your state's minimum wage + $1 per hour.
It has changed from when I started. Back then it was a set amount per week. I guess they save a few bucks by going hourly, especially in the slower times.
Works out pretty good in a state like WA with a higher minimum wage but states that have a very low minimum wage suffer. My issue with the new hourly pay for training was that I was trying to maximize my hours for the week to get paid better while mentors, understandably, were trying to keep my hours lower to maximize the 70.
The pay has changed slightly. All of the above is try with the exception that you now get paid $9.50/hour while driving. At least that's what I got paid I don't think the driving pay varies from state to state but I will contact another member here who went through training a little more recently and he's from another state.
This is correct. You get 9.50/hour while driving and your states minimum wage if on-duty. I just finished training two days ago and we had people from multiple states in my orientation. All were paid with the same formula.
it is based on the minimum wage of the state your terminal not where you live. My last student lived in Montana and he was paid the lessor in idaho
It may work out 'pretty well', but do you make $450-500 per week like it used to be? Maybe, during the good times, but how about those that train during the slower times? While in training I would have been sure of a steady income, even if my mentor took home time or if we were stuck in the shop. Not any more.
With the hourly wage I never made more than $400 a week and most weeks I made around $300, but I guess it really depends on how much you run. You're also supposed to get layover pay if your mentor takes home time and breakdown if the truck's in the shop. My mentor didn't take home time and he had a new truck so we were never in the shop so I can't say for absolute certain that you get that extra pay.
The only week I was not in this range was the week I was in Orientation and Phase I flatbed. It really depends on the mentor one is with. A good mentor will let you drive your hours and therefore get paid the most. We all know there are mentors who do not care about the student so do not be afraid to change mentors. Advances will kill your pay. Yes it may be necessary but be smart about it. Only get what you need. I was out for five weeks with my mentor and had to do a 34 hour reset 3 times. As soon as I finished my 10 I was up and we were pulling over if the mentor had not already pulled over to change out. My low takehome pay was $432 and my high was $557. If you want to play the tax game during training. Go on the kiosk and change your number of dependents but do not forget to change it back when done. My pay is claiming 2, my kids.
