Realistic First-Year Salary

Hi All,

I'm looking at starting this career, but I can't seem to find a concrete answer as to what a realistic salary would be. I understand that there are variables involved, but can you provide some guidance? I'd really like to drive, but I'm hesitant to pull the trigger without knowing what I could be making. What information do you need to know to help me out?

I'm looking at a driving schools, so I get the initial payment. I'm more interested in what happens after a few months when I'm a solo driver. I live in Arizona.

Thanks for any help. Mike

Hi Mike,

I would say generally you'll make 30 to 40k for a run of the mill first year otr position at a mega carrier. That's probably on the low side but still realistic.

Remember our work week is 70 hours and you'll be out usually 2 to 3 weeks at a time

What's up, Mike! Here is a copy of my YTD pay at the end of last year. 2 things to consider: I started the year in February and did about a month of training after that. Also, I had about a year of experience before that as well (I transferred companies). Im training drivers now and those numbers have risen considerably. Not sure how I would have done running solo this year. Anyway, for what it's worth, here ya go...

First year pay will vary among drivers obviously. I like to think this is about average.

Hi All,

I'm looking at starting this career, but I can't seem to find a concrete answer as to what a realistic salary would be. I understand that there are variables involved, but can you provide some guidance? I'd really like to drive, but I'm hesitant to pull the trigger without knowing what I could be making. What information do you need to know to help me out?

I'm looking at a driving schools, so I get the initial payment. I'm more interested in what happens after a few months when I'm a solo driver. I live in Arizona.

Thanks for any help. Mike

Absolutely not sure about OTR but I’m local first year and I’m on track to make 70,000+ my first year. This is from May 2020-May 2021. You’ve to know that what you make depends on your work ethic and how much you’re willing to run. And sacrifice sleep.

Honestly shocked new drivers can average 30-40K a year. I would quit trucking if that’s all I was making as I made that being a security guard.

Be careful about what company you choose. I would definitely look at Target accounts and Walmart accounts if you easily want to gross 60K plus! It’s hard work and you’ll likely hate the account, but the money is good. Personally if you care about money that much drive to a few terminals and ask some drivers about what they make weekly.

I saved my butt a while ago by driving to Darts terminal in Virginia and asking four drivers about their pay. None were grossing more than $1000 a week. The recruiter said you average about $1200 a week.

So you gain knowledge by going up to terminals near you and directly asking the drivers in your area.

For an OTR job I agree with the numbers Sid gave. You may make more but 30k-40k is a safe estimate. We've had members make over 50k OTR their first year. It all depends on how quickly you become efficient and understand the business. Although Leeva did quite well his first year I would suggest not expecting to make that much year 1. As a local driver I will say it's not the best way to get started. Put in a year OTR then find something local if that's what the end goal is.

Here are my earnings at exactly 6 months. This includes TNT of 3 months where I made $ 700 per week gross.

Starting salaries were normally in the $40k - $45k range up to a few years ago, but they have come up over the past few years. I'd say a new driver can expect to make $45k - $50k their first year these days if they're willing to hustle. We've had many drivers gross well over $50k their rookie year in recent years, some beyond that.

I'd say if you're willing to hustle you can count on $45,000 or beyond your first year at most carriers.

Mike here is a link to my thread on My pay as a rookie driver. CFI has raised training pay and first year pay since then. Also, their training is free.

I made a thread of my first couple years pay. The starting pay at Prime is now 46cpm in a full size and 51cpm in a lightweight for reefer. Plus bonuses of an average 5cpm.

So figure even if you do only 2000 miles you are making $1000+ gross per week.

2016 I made $43k 2017 I believe Turtle made $65k flatbed 2018 I believe Donna made $60k+ in a lightweight reefer

First year Pay Prime

Each company is different. Each division is different. Each driver is different when it comes to planning and running.

For my first year local it was about $81,000

I wouldn't recommend learning how to drive at this company though like I did.