Highest-Paying Owner/Operator Jobs [2023]

Research Summary. Using a combination of public government and company data as well as data gathered from thousands of job postings, the Zippia data team has created average salary estimates for jobs across the US. Using that data set, the team has identified the types of owner/operators that are the highest paid based on their average annual salaries.

Here is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of owner/operators:

• Operator And Truck Driver is the highest-paid type of owner/operator with an average salary of $250,847 and an average hourly rate of $120.60.

• The second highest-paying type of owner/operator is driver/owner operator, with an average salary of $169,793.

• The average owner/operator salary is $167,288 per year, and the average hourly pay is $80.43.

Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs

Background

Choosing a career path can be difficult, and while pay shouldn’t be the only thing you consider in your decision, it is a significant factor. So if you’d like to work as an owner/operator, it helps to have an idea of what the highest-paid types of owner/operators are so that you can plan your career progression.

Here are the top salaries for different types of owner/operators:

1. Operator And Truck Driver

   Average Salary: $250,847

   An operator and truck driver is responsible for the safe and efficient transport of goods and services within a particular area. One must have the skills and credentials, such as a license for driving large vehicles, and stamina for the long drives. Aside from this, they must also abide by the traffic rules and regulations at all times, even conducting regular maintenance checks to ensure that the vehicle is in good condition. Furthermore, an operator and truck driver must coordinate with clients and other workers to ensure that all deliveries are accurate and timely.

2. Driver/Owner Operator

   Average Salary: $169,793

   Driver/owner-operators are self-employed commercial truck drivers who operate trucks to transport goods for their customers. Most of these operators started working as drivers for trucking companies to gain experience and decide if it’s the right career path for them. They are allowed to haul freelance or agree to a lease agreement dedicating their equipment to one product or customer. To become an owner-operator, one should consider many things, including business set-up, vehicle type, and licenses.

3. Managing Partner

   Average Salary: $147,401

   The primary role of managing partners is to manage a company’s day-to-day operations and provide overall strategic and administrative decisions. They have to maintain positive client relations and consult and collaborate with other employees, executives, and board members. They are also responsible for overseeing recruitment activities, determining improvement gaps, and administering corrective measures. To be qualified for this position, one should have a degree in business administration or a related field, excellent leadership and communication skills, and a healthy analytical and strategic mindset.

4. Managing Owner

   Average Salary: $111,101

5. Operating Partner

   Average Salary: $93,101

   An operating partner coordinates a portfolio company’s efforts and serves as the liaison between private equity firms. They typically assess and manage teams, set objectives, establish guidelines and timelines, conduct market research and analyses, and assist teams in developing various operational strategies. They also gather and analyze extensive data, identify the strengths and weaknesses of existing processes, recommend solutions against problem areas, and create methods to optimize operations. Moreover, an operating partner must maintain an active communication line with staff while implementing the company’s policies and regulations.

Below is a full table of the average pay for various owner/operator that pay the most followed by a more detailed explanation of our methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Owner/Operators

Methodology

Zippia uses publicly published information from government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to create its salary estimates.

Our data science team also checks job postings and company-published resources for additional up-to-date salary information for owner/operators.

Once they’ve gathered the data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title they’re estimating a salary for. For more details on our salary estimates, you can read the detailed methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Owner/Operator Jobs FAQs

1. What is the highest-paid owner/operator job?

   The highest-paid owner/operator job is an operator and truck driver. Operators And Truck Driver earn an average salary of $250,847, which is $ 120.60 hourly.

   An operator and truck driver is responsible for the safe and efficient transport of goods and services within a particular area. One must have the skills and credentials, such as a license for driving large vehicles, and stamina for the long drives. Aside from this, they must also abide by the traffic rules and regulations at all times, even conducting regular maintenance checks to ensure that the vehicle is in good condition. Furthermore, an operator and truck driver must coordinate with clients and other workers to ensure that all deliveries are accurate and timely.

2. What is a good salary for an owner/operator?

   A good salary for an owner/operator is $167,288 or more. The average owner/operator salary is $167,288, so those making at least $167,288 are earning above-average paychecks.

   Keep in mind, however, that the average owner/operator salary does fluctuate based on location, as companies will adjust their pay scales based on the cost of living in that area. Research what the average salary is in your area for someone of your expertise and experience level to get a more accurate view on how well you’re being paid.

   In addition, if you’re just starting your career as an owner/operator, the average entry level salary is $132,536, so don’t base your opinion of your salary on the $167,288 average, as this includes all owner/operators of all skill and experience levels.

3. Do Owner/Operator jobs pay well?

   Yes, owner/operator jobs pay well. As in any industry, some owner/operator jobs pay better than others, but the average owner/operator salary of $167,288 is times the average national salary of about $44,225 per year.

   In addition to this, many owner/operator jobs have high earning potential, with the top 10% of owner/operators earning $206,331 a year on average.

   Owner/Operators’ salaries will fluctuate based on their experience level, industry, and location, so pay attention to these factors when you’re looking for a job as an owner/operator. Do your research on the going rate for an owner/operator in your area with your expertise, and don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary based on that information.

4. Where do owner/operators get paid the most?

   Owner/Operators get paid the most in North Dakota. In North Dakota, owner/operators earn an average annual salary of $175,054 and an average hourly wage of $84.16.

   Following ND, the states with the highest-paid owner/operators are Wyoming, Utah, and Oregon, with average annual salaries of $180,627, $174,457, and $188,607 respectively.

   The cities with the highest-paid owner/operator salaries are:

   1. Bridgeport, CT – $188,221

   2. Des Moines, WA – $184,425

   3. Wilmington, DE – $181,608

Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.