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Salary

How much does a Owner Operator make?

The average salary for a Owner Operator is $297,367 per year in the US.

Owner operators have the chance to earn a good income. They work for themselves and can control many aspects of their business. The average yearly salary for owner operators is about $297,367. This amount can change based on the industry, location, and experience.

Salaries for owner operators can vary widely. The lowest earners make around $100,000 a year. At the top end, some earn over $500,000. Here is a breakdown of the salary distribution:

  • 10% earn less than $138,182
  • 25% earn less than $176,364
  • 50% earn less than $214,545
  • 75% earn less than $252,727
  • 90% earn less than $329,091
  • 95% earn less than $367,273
  • 99% earn less than $443,636
  • 100% earn less than $520,000
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What are the highest paying cities for a Owner Operator?

Job seekers looking for owner operator roles should focus on cities with high average salaries. El Paso, TX, stands out with an average salary of $412,639, offering top earning potential. Other cities like Topeka, KS, and Clarksville, TN, also provide strong compensation, with averages of $392,479 and $384,800 respectively. These cities present excellent opportunities for those seeking lucrative owner operator positions. Exploring job openings in these areas can lead to rewarding career prospects with competitive pay.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Owner Operator jobs, highlighting El Paso, TX with the highest at $412,639 and Allentown, PA with the lowest at $361,279.
  1. El Paso, TX
    Average Salary: $412,639
    Working as an operator in El Paso offers a mix of urban and rural environments. Companies like XPO Logistics provide ample opportunities for growth and stability. The area's strategic location near Mexico enhances logistics potential.
    Find Owner Operator jobs in El Paso, TX


  2. Topeka, KS
    Average Salary: $392,479
    In Topeka, operators enjoy a balanced lifestyle with opportunities from companies like YRC Worldwide. The city's central location allows easy access to major markets, making it ideal for efficient deliveries.
    Find Owner Operator jobs in Topeka, KS


  3. Clarksville, TN
    Average Salary: $384,800
    Clarksville presents a dynamic environment for operators, with companies like Swift Transportation leading the way. The city's growing infrastructure and supportive community enhance job prospects and quality of life.
    Find Owner Operator jobs in Clarksville, TN


  4. Durham, NC
    Average Salary: $377,120
    Durham offers a thriving market for operators, with prominent companies such as J.B. Hunt Transport. The area's strong economy and investment in transportation infrastructure provide a solid foundation for business success.
    Find Owner Operator jobs in Durham, NC


  5. Fresno, CA
    Average Salary: $374,068
    Fresno, with its diverse industry base, is an excellent place for operators. Companies like Schneider offer competitive wages and career advancement. The city's expanding market makes it a great place for growth.
    Find Owner Operator jobs in Fresno, CA


  6. Corpus Christi, TX
    Average Salary: $371,098
    Corpus Christi's strategic port location makes it ideal for operators. Companies such as C.R. England provide a wealth of opportunities. The city’s growing economy supports a dynamic job market.
    Find Owner Operator jobs in Corpus Christi, TX


  7. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $370,169
    San Diego offers a vibrant job market for operators, with companies like Knight-Swift in the lead. The city's diverse industries and strong economy provide a solid foundation for success.
    Find Owner Operator jobs in San Diego, CA


  8. Lansing, MI
    Average Salary: $368,044
    Lansing provides a stable environment for operators, with companies such as Old Dominion Freight Line. The city's central location and growing market offer many opportunities for those in the logistics field.
    Find Owner Operator jobs in Lansing, MI


  9. Lincoln, NE
    Average Salary: $363,594
    Lincoln, with its agricultural focus, is a great place for operators. Companies like Landstar System offer solid career paths. The city's supportive business environment makes it a good choice for growth.
    Find Owner Operator jobs in Lincoln, NE


  10. Allentown, PA
    Average Salary: $361,279
    Allentown offers a robust job market for operators, with companies like ABF Freight leading the way. The city's strong infrastructure and growing economy provide excellent opportunities for career advancement.
    Find Owner Operator jobs in Allentown, PA

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

Veltri, Inc. offers some of the highest salaries for Owner Operator jobs, with an average earning of $536,705. Go Logistics also provides a strong compensation package, averaging $406,348 per year. For those interested in similar opportunities, KLM Trans Inc. and Tennessee Steel Haulers follow closely with average salaries around $364,000. Page Transportation & Page E.T.C. offers competitive pay, averaging $307,102 per year, making it an attractive option for many job seekers. Empire National and American Global Express provide solid earnings, with averages of $288,162 and $286,000, respectively. These companies represent some of the top choices for Owner Operator jobs.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Owner Operator jobs, highlighting Veltri, Inc. with the highest at $536,705 and West Motor Freight with the lowest at $238,712.
  1. Veltri, Inc.
    Average Salary: $536,705
    Veltri, Inc. is a leading company in the industry, known for its excellence in transportation and logistics. Owner operators at Veltri, Inc. enjoy competitive salaries. The company operates in various locations across the country.


  2. Go Logistics
    Average Salary: $406,348
    Go Logistics offers excellent opportunities for owner operators. They provide good pay and various benefits. This company operates in multiple regions, ensuring plenty of work for owner operators.


  3. KLM Trans Inc.
    Average Salary: $364,000
    KLM Trans Inc. is a top company for owner operators looking for a stable job. They pay well and have a strong reputation in the industry. The company serves many areas, giving owner operators lots of driving options.


  4. Tennessee Steel Haulers
    Average Salary: $364,000
    Tennessee Steel Haulers is another excellent choice for owner operators. They offer competitive pay and reliable work. This company operates in the southeastern United States, providing diverse routes for owner operators.


  5. Arepet Express
    Average Salary: $358,452
    Arepet Express provides a good income for owner operators. They focus on delivering quality service and have a good track record. The company serves several states, giving owner operators a variety of routes.


  6. Page Transportation & Page E.T.C.
    Average Salary: $307,102
    Page Transportation & Page E.T.C. offers fair pay and good benefits. They are a well-established company with many years in the industry. Owner operators can find plenty of work in various regions.


  7. Empire National
    Average Salary: $288,162
    Empire National provides decent pay and good working conditions. They have a solid presence in several areas. Owner operators can expect reliable work and good management.


  8. American Global Express
    Average Salary: $286,000
    American Global Express is known for its competitive salaries. They provide good pay and a variety of routes. The company operates across several states, offering owner operators diverse job opportunities.


  9. National Retail Systems, Inc
    Average Salary: $248,209
    National Retail Systems, Inc offers fair pay for owner operators. They have a good reputation in the industry. The company serves multiple regions, providing plenty of work for owner operators.


  10. West Motor Freight
    Average Salary: $238,712
    West Motor Freight provides a decent income for owner operators. They focus on customer service and have a strong presence in the market. The company operates in several states, giving owner operators many driving options.

How to earn more as a Owner Operator?

Becoming a successful Owner Operator can lead to a rewarding career and a good income. The right strategies can help boost earnings. Consider these key factors to maximize your potential revenue as an Owner Operator.

One of the most important factors is to choose the right niche. Specializing in a specific type of freight can lead to more consistent work and higher pay. For instance, focusing on hazardous materials or temperature-controlled shipments can attract higher rates. Knowing market demand and targeting those areas can significantly increase earnings.

Efficient route planning is another critical factor. Using technology to find the fastest and most fuel-efficient routes can save time and money. This can lead to more deliveries in less time, which can increase overall income. Planning ahead and avoiding traffic congestion will also ensure timely deliveries, which is crucial for customer satisfaction and repeat business.

Maintaining the vehicle in top condition is essential. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can prevent costly breakdowns and keep the business running smoothly. A well-kept vehicle can also be safer, which is important for both the driver and the cargo.

Building strong relationships with clients and brokers can lead to more job opportunities and higher pay. Reputation and reliability are key in this business. Always deliver on time and maintain clear communication to build trust and secure repeat business.

Investing in the right tools and technology can streamline operations. GPS tracking, load boards, and dispatch software can make managing the business easier and more efficient. These tools can help in scheduling, finding loads, and monitoring vehicle performance, leading to better productivity and higher earnings.

Currently 744 Owner Operator job openings, nationwide.

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Position
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Owner Operator
744 Job Openings