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Salary

How much does a Owner Operator make?

The average salary for a Owner Operator is $291,361 per year in the US.

Being an owner-operator can bring in a good salary. The average yearly salary for this job stands at around $291,361. This means many owner-operators have the chance to earn well above the average income. Salaries in this role can vary widely, depending on factors such as experience, location, and the type of work they do.


To break it down, the earnings of owner-operators fall across a range of amounts. At the lower end, some make as little as $91,000 a year. At the higher end, salaries can reach up to $520,000 annually. This wide range shows that there are many opportunities for growth and increased earnings over time. Many owner-operators find that their income grows as they gain more experience and build a strong reputation in their industry.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Owner Operator?

Looking for top pay as an owner operator? Cities like Sioux Falls, SD, and El Paso, TX, lead the way with high average salaries. Job seekers in these areas can expect competitive earnings and good opportunities. Also, cities like Fresno, CA, and San Diego, CA, offer solid salaries and a strong market for owner operators.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Owner Operator jobs, highlighting Sioux Falls, SD with the highest at $443,182 and Allentown, PA with the lowest at $361,279.
  1. Sioux Falls, SD
    Average Salary: $443,182
    In Sioux Falls, the trucking industry thrives with companies like XTRA Lease. It is an ideal place for those looking to start their own business. The community support and lower living costs make it easier to manage operations.
    Find Owner Operator jobs in Sioux Falls, SD


  2. El Paso, TX
    Average Salary: $411,179
    El Paso offers a dynamic environment for independent truckers, especially near the border. Companies like El Paso Truck Center provide plenty of opportunities. The city's strategic location makes it a key hub for freight movement.
    Find Owner Operator jobs in El Paso, TX


  3. Fresno, CA
    Average Salary: $403,482
    Fresno is known for its agricultural industry, providing abundant job opportunities for owner-operators. Companies like Central Valley Truck & Equipment are prominent. The sunny weather and lower costs also benefit those looking to start their own businesses.
    Find Owner Operator jobs in Fresno, CA


  4. Topeka, KS
    Average Salary: $392,479
    Topeka offers a balanced lifestyle for owner-operators. The city has companies like Mid-Kansas Truck & Tractor. The moderate climate and manageable living costs make it a practical choice for starting a trucking business.
    Find Owner Operator jobs in Topeka, KS


  5. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $386,817
    San Diego provides diverse opportunities in the trucking industry. With companies like Pacific Coast Haulage, truckers can enjoy beautiful weather and a vibrant market. The port activities also increase job availability.
    Find Owner Operator jobs in San Diego, CA


  6. Clarksville, TN
    Average Salary: $380,250
    Clarksville is a growing hub for owner-operators. The city has a supportive business environment with companies like Clarksville Logistics. Lower living costs and easy access to major highways make it an attractive option.
    Find Owner Operator jobs in Clarksville, TN


  7. Lansing, MI
    Average Salary: $379,372
    Lansing offers a mix of opportunities for owner-operators. Companies like Lansing Truck Lines provide solid job prospects. The city’s central location and lower operational costs are beneficial for independent truckers.
    Find Owner Operator jobs in Lansing, MI


  8. Durham, NC
    Average Salary: $374,406
    Durham is an emerging market for owner-operators with companies like Durham Freight Lines. The Research Triangle Park area offers plenty of logistics opportunities. The city’s growing economy and infrastructure support independent businesses.
    Find Owner Operator jobs in Durham, NC


  9. Lincoln, NE
    Average Salary: $363,594
    Lincoln is a key location for owner-operators with companies like Lincoln Carriers. The city’s central position in the state makes it a logistics hub. Lower living costs and a supportive business environment enhance job prospects.
    Find Owner Operator jobs in Lincoln, NE


  10. Allentown, PA
    Average Salary: $361,279
    Allentown provides various opportunities for owner-operators. Companies like Allentown Logistics offer good prospects. The Lehigh Valley’s infrastructure and central location benefit independent truckers, making it an appealing choice.
    Find Owner Operator jobs in Allentown, PA

What are the best companies a Owner Operator can work for?

Veltri, Inc. offers the highest average salary for owner operator jobs at around $536,705. KLM Trans Inc. and Arepet Express follow closely with salaries around $364,000 and $362,498 respectively. These companies provide solid career opportunities with competitive pay packages. Page Transportation & Page E.T.C., Empire National, and Beemac Trucking, LLC also offer attractive salaries for owner operators, ranging from $310,235 to $248,951. These companies value their owner operators and offer benefits that match their efforts. National Retail Systems, Inc, West Motor Freight, and Mercer Transportation are other notable companies with salaries around $242,273 and higher.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Owner Operator jobs, highlighting Veltri, Inc. with the highest at $536,705 and Mercer Transportation with the lowest at $225,000.
  1. Veltri, Inc.
    Average Salary: $536,705
    Veltri, Inc. offers Owner Operator jobs with competitive salaries. They focus on logistics and transportation, operating across various locations in the United States. Their Owner Operators work with refrigerated freight, ensuring timely deliveries.


  2. KLM Trans Inc.
    Average Salary: $364,000
    KLM Trans Inc. provides Owner Operator positions with good compensation. This company specializes in logistics, connecting companies across multiple states. Their Owner Operators enjoy flexible routes and a supportive team environment.


  3. Arepet Express
    Average Salary: $362,498
    Arepet Express values Owner Operators and offers a solid average salary. They operate throughout the country, focusing on specialized freight services. Their job roles allow Owner Operators to build strong customer relationships.


  4. Tennessee Steel Haulers
    Average Salary: $337,516
    Tennessee Steel Haulers offers rewarding Owner Operator jobs. The company specializes in steel transportation across the Southeast. They provide competitive pay and an opportunity to work in diverse, challenging environments.


  5. Page Transportation & Page E.T.C.
    Average Salary: $310,235
    Page Transportation & Page E.T.C. provides Owner Operator positions with a good salary. They operate in various regions, offering flexible and diverse routes. Their Owner Operators benefit from excellent training and career growth opportunities.


  6. Empire National
    Average Salary: $293,004
    Empire National offers competitive Owner Operator salaries. They focus on logistics and freight transportation, operating in several states. Their Owner Operators enjoy a stable work environment with good benefits.


  7. Beemac Trucking, LLC
    Average Salary: $248,951
    Beemac Trucking, LLC offers Owner Operator jobs with a solid salary. They operate in various locations, focusing on specialized freight services. Their Owner Operators benefit from a supportive company culture and good training.


  8. National Retail Systems, Inc
    Average Salary: $242,273
    National Retail Systems, Inc. provides Owner Operator positions with a competitive average salary. They focus on retail logistics and operate across multiple regions. Their Owner Operators enjoy diverse routes and strong company support.


  9. West Motor Freight
    Average Salary: $238,712
    West Motor Freight offers Owner Operator jobs with a good salary. They operate in several states, focusing on freight services. Their Owner Operators benefit from a stable work environment and good career development opportunities.


  10. Mercer Transportation
    Average Salary: $225,000
    Mercer Transportation offers Owner Operator positions with a solid average salary. They operate in various regions, focusing on logistics and freight services. Their Owner Operators enjoy a supportive team environment and flexible routes.

How to earn more as a Owner Operator?

Becoming a successful Owner Operator can lead to greater earnings with the right strategies in place. Maximizing income means understanding and leveraging key factors that can boost profitability. These elements range from optimizing routes to investing in technology, all of which can significantly impact the bottom line.

First, focus on optimizing routes. Planning efficient delivery routes reduces travel time and fuel costs. Using route optimization software can make this easier. Second, maintaining a well-kept vehicle improves safety and reliability. Regular maintenance prevents unexpected breakdowns and keeps the business running smoothly. Third, consider specialized cargo. Hauling high-demand goods can command higher rates. Fourth, building strong relationships with clients fosters loyalty and repeat business. Finally, investing in technology, like GPS tracking and fleet management systems, enhances efficiency and reduces costs.

By focusing on these factors, Owner Operators can earn more and improve their overall business performance.

  1. Optimize routes to save time and fuel costs.
  2. Keep vehicles well-maintained to ensure safety and reliability.
  3. Consider specialized cargo to command higher rates.
  4. Build strong client relationships for repeat business.
  5. Invest in technology for better efficiency and cost savings.

Currently 530 Owner Operator job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Owner Operator in the US?

Learn what a Owner Operator does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Owner Operator today.
Position
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Owner Operator
530 Job Openings