Want to be dump truck drivers? But, how much do dump truck drivers make?
In the US, a DUMP truck driver makes an average weekly salary of $836. Across the United States, the average pay for DUMP truck drivers currently falls between $692 (25th percentile) and $932 (75th percentile).
It is possible that there are numerous opportunities for advancement and increased pay based on skill level, location, and years of experience given the wide range of pay for a DUMP truck driver (by as much as $240).
Key Factors That Impact Dump Truck Owner Income
Location
Between the highest and lowest paying states, the average salary can vary by up to $40,000. Due to a higher hourly wage where you live, you might have an advantage. New York, Massachusetts, and Washington have the highest average salaries, each exceeding $140,000. North Carolina, Florida, and Missouri have the lowest salaries. In contrast, more competition results from higher wages. If you’re a new owner, think about your abilities and how well you’ll be able to advertise your services in the local construction market.
Don’t focus solely on your location. Even though the average salaries across the state are lower, some cities and metro areas, such as Fort Wayne, IN, and Columbus, OH, pay very well.
Skill Level & Years of Experience
There is a relatively low entry barrier because training for a commercial driver’s license (CDL) typically lasts less than two months. On-the-job experience cannot be replaced, though.
You’ll learn how to control your costs, which will help you become more appealing to potential customers. By picking the right jobs, managing the truck skillfully, and having a thorough understanding of vehicle maintenance, experienced drivers can reduce costs.
Additionally, you’ll develop a reputation for being a trustworthy driver in your community. The popularity of your services will raise demand for them.
Truck Ownership Costs
After becoming familiar with the expenses associated with owning a dump truck, you must think about how ownership will impact your ability to earn money. Newer models typically sell for $100–150,000, while used dump trucks can range in price from $30–$40,000.
You can buy the truck now and pay for it later with available financing options. The average credit score for a transaction that was approved was 677, according to a top funding company for truck financing.
The amount of your down payment, your credit score, and the price of your vehicle will all affect your monthly payments.
In addition to the cost of the truck itself, you’ll have other ongoing expenses including:
- Insurance ($6,750-$20,000/year)
- Fuel (Depends on gas prices and mileage; assuming 3,000 miles, greater than $1,400 per week)
- Tires ($1,000 per tire)
- Inspections (As needed)
- Department of Transportation fees
- Registration
- Taxes
- Advertising your business
You should consider your potential salary in relation to your financial capacity in order to purchase the vehicle and cover any necessary but unforeseen ongoing maintenance expenses.
To determine how many hours you would need to work per week to have a successful business, you might find it useful to multiply your hourly costs to operate your truck by the average hourly rate in your region.
Beyond the Owner-operator Model
While many owners of dump trucks are owner-operators, there are other ways to make money with your dump truck as well. Leasing your truck will allow you to fill in any gaps between jobs. Some business owners have a fleet of trucks or a number of construction vehicles to better serve the market and increase revenue opportunities.
Dump Truck Ownership: Disadvantages
Dump truck ownership has some drawbacks to take into account, despite the attractive pay and lifestyle.
- Seasonality
Weather and the changing of the seasons have a big impact on the construction industry. When traveling during the off-season, you might need to account for weather-related maintenance costs. The impact of the seasons on your ability to consistently find work will need to be taken into account.
Read about
Dump Truck Ownership Next Steps
You can take steps to succeed in your business and stay clear of common pitfalls whether you’re already an owner or are considering it.
To make your job as an owner-operator easier, the construction industry’s technological advancements have taken some of the most frequent problems faced by dump truck owners and developed a logistics platform for dump trucks.
Having reliable work in your area is made possible by software like TRUX, which can help you succeed as an owner-operator.
By using the platform to find consistent work in your area, you can increase your earnings. TRUX is already being used by over 20,000 authorized drivers to connect with local work and keep their trucks on the road.
TRUX makes sure that you can connect to projects that you might not have been able to as an independent owner-operator against larger companies with more resources as you establish your reputation in your local market.
Weekly payouts make it possible for you to receive your money more quickly and guarantee that you won’t have to pay for truck maintenance, insurance, or gas.
Are you interested in finding out how to organize your owner-operated business?
Last, Tips for Dump Truck Driving Career
Although driving a dump truck can be incredibly rewarding, not everyone is cut out for this line of work. Consider the benefits and drawbacks of dump truck driving carefully before deciding if you want to pursue a career as a driver or owner operator. You can check out this guide here to find out more information about ELD Devices, by looking at the top electronic logging devices which may make your journey safer. T