If you’ve been driving as a company driver for a while, you’ve probably looked at your pay stub and wondered:

“If I owned my own truck, how much more could I really be making?”

It’s one of the most common questions on the road — and a fair one. Owner-operators do have the potential to earn far more than company drivers, but how much you actually take home depends on your setup, your truck, and how you run your business.

In this guide, we’ll break down how much owner-operators typically make per mile, per week, and per year in 2025 - plus how to increase your profits and start smart through CloudTrucks’ Road to Independence program.

1. The Short Answer: You Can Earn More - A Lot More

The average company driver makes between $65,000–$85,000 per year, depending on experience and route type.

Owner-operators, on the other hand, gross $200,000–$250,000+ annually - but that’s before expenses like fuel, insurance, and maintenance.

Once you factor those in, most independent drivers net between $70,000–$120,000 a year after all costs are paid.

That’s roughly $1,500–$2,300 per week in take-home pay for experienced, efficient operators.

The difference? Control. As an owner-operator, you decide how hard to run, which loads to take, and how to manage your business.

2. Owner Operator Pay Per Mile (2025 Rates)

In 2025, owner-operators hauling dry van freight earn an average of $1.75 to $2.25 per mile, while reefer drivers typically make $2.00 to $2.75 per mile. Flatbed haulers see higher averages around $2.25 to $3.00 per mile, and specialized or oversized loads can command anywhere from $3.00 to $4.50 or more per mile.

💡 Pro tip: The most successful owner-operators don’t just chase high-paying lanes, they focus on net profit per mile, factoring in fuel costs, deadhead miles, and downtime.

3. Owner Operator Pay Per Week

Weekly income depends on how many miles you run and how efficiently you operate.

Drivers typically see earnings correlated to their weekly miles. At around 1,800 miles per week, the average gross is about $3,600 with a net of $1,600–$1,900 after expenses. Running closer to 2,200 miles brings the average gross to roughly $4,400 and nets between $1,900–$2,200. For drivers running around 2,800 miles per week, gross earnings average about $5,600, with a net of $2,300–$2,600 after expenses

Remember - those “net” numbers are after fuel, maintenance, insurance, and other costs. The more efficiently you run your truck (good MPG, fewer empty miles, regular maintenance), the more you keep in your pocket.

4. Owner Operator Pay Per Year (2025 Outlook)

Annual earnings vary depending on the type of work you do.
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Local and regional owner-operators generally gross between $150,000 and $200,000 per year, with a net income of $60,000 to $90,000.
Over-the-road (OTR) drivers often gross $200,000 to $250,000 or more, netting $90,000 to $120,000 after expenses.
Lease-operators running under a carrier’s authority typically gross $150,000 to $200,000, with net pay averaging $65,000 to $95,000.

Those who own their trucks outright - with no monthly payments - and stay consistent with maintenance can often net $120,000 to $150,000+ per year. These numbers are realistic, but they require strong business discipline and attention to detail.

Owning your truck is one of the most important steps in building equity in your trucking business. CloudTrucks’ Road to Independence program helps you get into a truck and start moving toward true ownership.

5. The Key: Understanding Gross vs. Net Pay

Many new owner-operators focus on the gross number — but the real measure of success is your net profit per mile.

Example:

• You gross $2.50 per mile.
• After fuel ($0.70), maintenance ($0.15), insurance ($0.20), and other costs ($0.10), your true profit is $1.35 per mile.

If you run 2,500 miles a week, that’s $3,375 in net weekly income — nearly triple what most company drivers earn.

The key is managing costs, not just chasing big rates.

6. The CloudTrucks Advantage: Higher Pay, Less Hassle

For company drivers who want to go independent, the biggest challenge isn’t finding loads - it’s getting started without drowning in costs and having a partner to get started with.

That’s why CloudTrucks’ Road to Independence program was built. It gives drivers a way to become owner-operators with:

✅ No huge down payment: Lease-to-own options on trucks you can start running right away.

✅ No authority headaches: You run under CloudTrucks’ authority and compliance system.

✅ Better earnings visibility: Track loads, pay, and expenses directly in the CloudTrucks app.

✅ Fast payouts: Get paid after every load.

It’s ownership, without the solo struggle.

7. How to Maximize Your Earnings as a Lease Owner-Operator

Even with solid rates, your take-home pay depends on how efficiently you operate. Here’s how the best owner-operators increase profits:

1. Plan backhauls. Don’t deadhead 200 miles just to get home - plan return loads in advance.
2. Keep an eye on fuel prices. Plan your route so you can stop at fuel stations where you have available discounts.
3. Maintain your rig. Preventive maintenance costs less than downtime.
4. Stay consistent. The drivers who win aren’t chasing one big week, they’re steady, strategic, and data-driven.

8. So, Is It Worth It?

If you’re tired of company caps and ready for freedom, being an owner-operator can absolutely be worth it - if you start with the right plan and partner.

You don’t have to save $40,000 for a truck or guess your way through authority setup.

You can start smart, earn more, and learn how to manage your business from day one.

That’s exactly what CloudTrucks’ Road to Independence was designed for.

Take the Next Step Toward Ownership

If you’re ready to earn what your miles are really worth, it’s time to take control of your career.

CloudTrucks helps company drivers become owner-operators with:

• Transparent pay and expense tracking
• Easy load booking
• Simple, low-risk lease options

You’ve already mastered the driving part - now it’s time to own it.

👉 Learn more about Road to Independence