Owner-operators’ earnings can vary widely depending on factors like the type of freight, routes, expenses, and whether they lease to a carrier or operate under their own authority. Here’s a general breakdown:
🚛 Gross Income
- $180,000 – $300,000+ per year
(That’s $3,500 – $6,000+ per week on average)
🧾 Typical Expenses
Owner-operators pay for fuel, insurance, maintenance, permits, and more. These can eat up 30–50% of their gross income.
💰 Net Take-Home (After Expenses)
- Leased Owner-Operators:
~$1,500 – $3,000/week
($75,000 – $150,000/year) - Independent (Own Authority):
~$2,000 – $4,000+/week
($100,000 – $200,000+/year)
Higher earning potential, but also more responsibility.
Here’s a clean and easy-to-read table of owner-operator income by freight type:
| Freight Type | Gross (Weekly) | Net (Weekly) | Net (Annual) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Van | $4,000 – $6,000 | $1,500 – $2,500 | $75,000 – $130,000 | Easy to run, lower rates, good for beginners |
| Reefer (Refrigerated) | $5,000 – $7,000 | $2,000 – $3,000 | $100,000 – $150,000 | Higher pay, higher fuel & maintenance |
| Flatbed | $5,000 – $7,500 | $2,200 – $3,500 | $110,000 – $170,000 | Better rates, requires more physical labor |
| Hotshot | $2,000 – $5,000 | $1,000 – $2,500 | $50,000 – $120,000 | Flexible, less startup cost, can be inconsistent |
| Tanker (Non-Hazmat) | $5,000 – $7,000 | $2,500 – $3,500 | $130,000 – $180,000 | Stable income, requires specialized skills |
| Tanker (Hazmat) | $6,000 – $8,500 | $3,000 – $4,500 | $150,000 – $200,000+ | High risk = high reward, certification needed |
| Car Hauling | $6,000 – $10,000 | $3,000 – $5,000 | $150,000 – $250,000 | High demand, needs proper equipment & care |
| Oversize/Heavy Haul | $7,000 – $12,000+ | $4,000 – $6,000 | $200,000 – $300,000+ | Very profitable, high skill and permitting required |
| Container (Port Work) | $3,000 – $5,000 | $1,200 – $2,000 | $60,000 – $100,000 | Often local, lower wear on truck, but lower rates |
Break-down by freight type
Here’s a breakdown of how much owner-operators can make by freight type, along with typical weekly and annual gross & net earnings. Keep in mind these are averages and can vary by region, market rates, and experience.
1. Dry Van
- Gross: $4,000 – $6,000/week
- Net: $1,500 – $2,500/week
- Annual Net: $75,000 – $130,000
- 🔹 Lower rates but lower fuel costs and easier to manage.
2. Reefer (Refrigerated)
- Gross: $5,000 – $7,000/week
- Net: $2,000 – $3,000/week
- Annual Net: $100,000 – $150,000
- ❄️ Higher pay than dry van but also higher fuel and maintenance costs.
3. Flatbed
- Gross: $5,000 – $7,500/week
- Net: $2,200 – $3,500/week
- Annual Net: $110,000 – $170,000
- 🪵 Good rates, but more physical work (strapping/tarping).
4. Hotshot
- Gross: $2,000 – $5,000/week
- Net: $1,000 – $2,500/week
- Annual Net: $50,000 – $120,000
- ⚡ Lower barrier to entry but inconsistent loads depending on region.
5. Tanker (Non-Hazmat)
- Gross: $5,000 – $7,000/week
- Net: $2,500 – $3,500/week
- Annual Net: $130,000 – $180,000
- 🛢️ Requires training but pays better due to specialized work.
6. Tanker (Hazmat)
- Gross: $6,000 – $8,500/week
- Net: $3,000 – $4,500/week
- Annual Net: $150,000 – $200,000+
- ☣️ High risk = high reward, must be certified and cautious.
7. Car Hauling
- Gross: $6,000 – $10,000/week
- Net: $3,000 – $5,000/week
- Annual Net: $150,000 – $250,000
- 🚗 Lucrative but requires experience and proper equipment.
8. Oversize/Heavy Haul
- Gross: $7,000 – $12,000+/week
- Net: $4,000 – $6,000/week
- Annual Net: $200,000 – $300,000+
- 🏗️ High skill and permits needed — big money for the pros.
9. Container Freight (Port Work)
- Gross: $3,000 – $5,000/week
- Net: $1,200 – $2,000/week
- Annual Net: $60,000 – $100,000
- 🚢 Lower rates, but often local — less wear on equipment.
