This question is about owner/operator salaries.

Do owner-operators make good money?

By Zippia Team - Oct. 22, 2021

Yes, owner-operators make good money. On average, owner-operators gross over $184,000 annually.

However, it is important to note that this is average gross pay. This does not include fuel, truck payments, food and lodging, or any other expense. What expenses a person might encounter as an owner-operator is essential when developing a business plan.

The total expenses will ultimately determine what amount an owner-operator can expect to keep of the gross pay. Initially, a person can expect to make significantly less than $180,000.

Many owner-operators will only take home $45,000 to $80,000 a year, with a much lower average for the first year. The first-year average is generally much lower because the initial purchase of a tractor-trailer will deplete a significant amount of initial earnings.

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