$35k Annualy, X0.66(taxes) / 12 Months /4 Weeks /70 Hours = $6.85 An Hour After Tax? Is That Right?

Sorry, was replying to rv but forgot to quote.

I figured this a bit different. Drive 60 mph x 70 hour = 9 days x 3 weeks + 3 home = 30 x12 @ .26 per mile would be 39,312 gross. 70 hour in eight days with 34 hour reset and one day home every seven out. I subtracted ten percent from gross because maintaining that speed for a year as a knewbee? Makes it about 35,000 before deduction.

Sorry, was replying to rv but forgot to quote.

I figured this a bit different. Drive 60 mph x 70 hour = 9 days x 3 weeks + 3 home = 30 x12 @ .26 per mile would be 39,312 gross. 70 hour in eight days with 34 hour reset and one day home every seven out. I subtracted ten percent from gross because maintaining that speed for a year as a knewbee? Makes it about 35,000 before deduction.

That makes a little more sense to me, but all these calculations still confuse me, at best. I am definitely NOT a math person.

Just give me a starting point, a place to deliver my load, and my paycheck at the end of the "week", and I will be happy. As it stands, I will be making good money, doing a job I already know I will love, even with the bad days/weeks mixed in. $35k, even in today's economy is nothing to be mad about. I live a simple life with simple requirements, so even IF that is all i ever made, I would still be relatively content. Any extra after the first year, is just more to put away for retirement. I plan on adjusting my 401k contributions,insurance, etc. to have me netting about 40k to 45k each year, after my first year. Of course, reality may dictate, otherwise.

No the starting pay isn't fantastic. But neither is starting pay for teachers, nurses, police officers, heck, even doctors and lawyers put in brutal hours when first starting and they don't all get paid really high salaries.

Also, take a look at the fact there are many college-educated "professionals" who have turned to trucking as a job/income.

For some of us it's less about the starting pay and more about providing for our families.

Of course I hear McDonalds is paying $10/hr in some areas, so have at it.

The key to this job is not only learning how to safely drive but mastering how to make money doing it. The first 3-6 months is all about learning safe operation; staying legal, pre-tripping effectively, backing efficiently, dealing with weather, and overall gaining confidence (etc., etc.). It takes another 3-6 months beyond that until you truly "get it" to the point where you begin to earn a good paycheck. It's a long process...not an event.

If you enter into this with realistic expectations that is half the battle. Unrealistic expectations is the likely cause of so many new drivers quitting before month six.

I've been turning wrenches 35 years give or take, and a few times I hit 35-45k a year, busting my butt to do it too! Long hours, 5-7 days a (weekends) to get a jump on some bigger jobs. @ flat-rate/ book time. Plenty of $$ for my lifestyle, so trucking will be even better, not as much butt busting lol Or bending, pushing stooping, walking miles just at work, or dealing with idiots at every turn, customers, bosses, co-workers. Looking forward to the new out on the road lifestyle, actually. And with NO rent, utilities, car notes,and all the usual living expenses, the income even starting out a s a newb will suffice.......

Nruck H. asks?

$35k annualy, x0.66(taxes) / 12 months /4 weeks /70 hours = $6.85 an hour after tax? Is that right?

Seems like a low starting wage to me.

Where did you come up with 35k? That is likely a "first year" compensation figure. Due to training duration and the steep learning curve, during the first year of experience, an entry level driver's income potential is lower than what you can expect year 2-5. Try to think of the first year as a paid apprenticeship.

Oh, so you're saying it's lower than that?

The key to this job is not only learning how to safely drive but mastering how to make money doing it. The first 3-6 months is all about learning safe operation; staying legal, pre-tripping effectively, backing efficiently, dealing with weather, and overall gaining confidence (etc., etc.). It takes another 3-6 months beyond that until you truly "get it" to the point where you begin to earn a good paycheck. It's a long process...not an event.

If you enter into this with realistic expectations that is half the battle. Unrealistic expectations is the likely cause of so many new drivers quitting before month six.

Yeah, I notice the turn-over is high.

I want to get a good understanding of what to realistically expect.

I appreciate all the feedback from you guys.

Nruck H. asks?

$35k annualy, x0.66(taxes) / 12 months /4 weeks /70 hours = $6.85 an hour after tax? Is that right?

Seems like a low starting wage to me.

Where did you come up with 35k? That is likely a "first year" compensation figure. Due to training duration and the steep learning curve, during the first year of experience, an entry level driver's income potential is lower than what you can expect year 2-5. Try to think of the first year as a paid apprenticeship.

Oh, so you're saying it's lower than that?

Nruck. No that is not what I said. 35k for the first year is a reasonable expectation and attainable.

This thread actually brings up yet another question. For trucking companies, do you pay state taxes on where you live or where the company is headquartered?

William K asks a really good question:

This thread actually brings up yet another question. For trucking companies, do you pay state taxes on where you live or where the company is headquartered?

I work for Swift Transportation, headquartered in Phoenix Arizona. I live in Pennsylvania, work in a variety of northeastern states. Swift withholds Pennsylvania Income Tax and that is what I am obligated to pay and submit a tax return for.