How Much Income Can I Expect At The End Of My First Year As A Hard, Dependable Worker?

I am a female that has wanted to become a truck driver for quite a while. I love driving, I'm a hard worker, and I am used to an irregular sleeping schedule. The only reason that I haven't jumped on board yet is because I am afraid that I will not be able to maintain my financial obligations within my first year of employment. Without going into personal details, I will just say that (at an absolute minimum) I have to make $27,000 a year. If I make at least $30,000 within my first year, I am in the clear.

For all you newbie drivers that just finished your first year, do you think this is a reasonable goal? And, for all of the veterans out there, how often do you see new drivers making this amount in their first year? I know that I have to put in a lot of hard work, get in good with the company, and stick with the job for at least 3 - 6 months before I will see an increase in my pay. However, if I do those things, is an annual income of $27,000 - $30,000 during my first year realistic?

If this amount is possible, but rarely happens, I might not be able to pursue this career at this time. Although, if this amount is almost guaranteed with hard work and dedication with a company within the first year, I am ready to sign up! I am even willing to pay my own way through school.

Also, since I am a woman, will I receive less miles and/ or loads? Can anyone shed some insight?

You would be ok..... Rookies on otr start out making anywhere from 32000 to 36000 their first year and more the following years if you prove to be a safe reliable driver

You would be ok..... Rookies on otr start out making anywhere from 32000 to 36000 their first year and more the following years if you prove to be a safe reliable driver

Wow! What a relief! But, no offense. I am hoping to get more responses here because I hear so many negative stories that I would like to hear the 1st year income range from more than one person.

Also, I'm still wondering if this amount is possible for a woman. Do companies play favoritism toward men?

Not that I've seen but there is a search engine on this site and it only searches this site so type redgator in the search engine and read all her posts and you will be able to answer your own question

There's a member on this site that documented his rookie year salary in this forum so you might want to search for dainel b and read his posts as well

Hi Jennifer.

Indeed that first year you can expect about $32k-$36k. There are people who make a little more, but overall you can count on those numbers.

Here's a breakdown of the first year salary of Daniel B, one of our moderators:

Truck driving salary - my first year breakdown

Here's one from a few years ago and you'll see things haven't really changed much at all:

My 2010 Salary - Finishing Up My Second Year Behind The Wheel

Hi Jennifer.

Indeed that first year you can expect about $32k-$36k. There are people who make a little more, but overall you can count on those numbers.

Here's a breakdown of the first year salary of Daniel B, one of our moderators:

Truck driving salary - my first year breakdown

Here's one from a few years ago and you'll see things haven't really changed much at all:

My 2010 Salary - Finishing Up My Second Year Behind The Wheel

Thank you. That was a perfect answer, but how about for the females in this business? Is this the same for both males and females? I know there is a separate forum just for females, and I can post there as well, but I was hoping to get a male and a female perspective. Maybe I should also start a separate thread for this.

Jennifer, unless you're partial to the OTR lifestyle with a truckload company, you can make more at an LTL company. P&D (pickup and delivery) drivers can reach 50k their first year and forward. Linehaul up to 70k in the first year, perhaps more depending on the company and situation.

There is a female member on this forum, mountaingirl, that just landed a prime LTL gig and will be making around that 50k mark if she goes P&D.

The trick with LTL is that you have to be in the right area and operate out of a terminal close to your residence. You can get an OTR job pretty much anywhere in the country. This forum is geared towards truckload companies and OTR jobs, but there are a few of us on here that have LTL jobs.

You can read about LTL here:

LTL Trucking: My Linehaul Job

I'm always quick to give the LTL side of trucking to prospective drivers that ask about income. Granted, location is key, but if you're in the right location and are willing to explore options besides OTR, then check out LTL. A lot of LTL companies will hire student drivers, and even train them for their CDL A, while paying them. I like to spread the word because I would've appreciated it if somebody mentioned LTL as an option for me. I found out about LTL without even knowing it was an option - thankfully.

Jennifer i am a female thats been in the business for 2 1/2 years now. You can realisticly make what your goals are hands down. The harder you work the more you will make. My rookie solo year I grossed $42,000. Keep in mind I busted my butt and was hardly ever home. In 365 I took 30 days total off. I am a trainer now so if I quoted my 2nd year figures they would be alittle different from a solo driver because I get training pay. These guys have good info. You wont receive less miles because your female. Ive never received and kind of prejudice for being female other than a few male drivers that have too much ego and cant handle a female doing a mans job. I also look very female as well. I get my nails done. Any other questions feel free to pm.

Jennifer i am a female thats been in the business for 2 1/2 years now. You can realisticly make what your goals are hands down. The harder you work the more you will make. My rookie solo year I grossed $42,000. Keep in mind I busted my butt and was hardly ever home. In 365 I took 30 days total off. I am a trainer now so if I quoted my 2nd year figures they would be alittle different from a solo driver because I get training pay. These guys have good info. You wont receive less miles because your female. Ive never received and kind of prejudice for being female other than a few male drivers that have too much ego and cant handle a female doing a mans job. I also look very female as well. I get my nails done. Any other questions feel free to pm.

Wow. Thanks for that info! I'm definitely ready to do this.