What is an owner/operator and how to become one

Q: How do I become a successful owner-operator?

To become a successful owner-operator, you will need to set up a successful business plan that minimizes expenses and maximizes profits. Coming up with a good business plan is the first step for any new business aiming for success. Creating a solid business plan for a trucking company means taking a detailed look at the financing and operational specifics of the business within the needs of the industry as a whole, and of course, the individual goals for that company.

Q: How do I get started as an owner-operator?

Getting started as an owner-operator requires due diligence in researching the industry to prepare for various challenges, acquiring USDOT and MC numbers to operate legally, and obtaining the right equipment.

Q: How much do owner-operators make net?

Owner-operators make a net pay of $60,000 to $70,000 annually. However, many owner-operators will only take home $45,000 a year, with a much lower average for the first year of operation.

Q: How much money do you need to be an owner-operator?

You will need a large amount of money to be an owner-operator. Being an owner-operator can cost anywhere from $25,000 to $50,000. These variables depend on how much you spend on your vehicle and the amount it costs to register and complete other formal documentation.

Q: Is being an owner-operator worth it?

Yes, being an owner-operator is worth it for individuals who love both driving and the business of trucking. This field is not easy to get started in, but it is very rewarding once you're set up.

Q: What are the pros and cons of being an owner-operated truck driver?

The pros of being an owner-operated truck driver are job security and an independent work day, while the cons include isolation and stress. Here is a more detailed look at the pros and cons of being an owner-operated truck driver:

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted Expert

Robin Jarvis

An owner/operator is a person who owns and operates their own business. They manage all aspects of the business, including finances, marketing, and operations. This type of profession is common in industries such as transportation, construction, and agriculture. Owner/operators have autonomy in their work and often enjoy the freedom to set their own schedules and make their own decisions. They must be skilled at managing their time and resources for success.

What general advice would you give to an Owner/Operator?

Robin Jarvis

Director of Career and Internship Services, Culver-Stockton College

Be flexible. Employment trends were shifting and changing, before the pandemic hit, and we can expect more change in the days ahead. Opportunities are still out there, and we will recover from these challenges. I anticipate growth after stabilization and the creation of jobs that don't exist today. Be willing to take the skills you learned in college and apply them to a wide array of opportunities. Explore careers outside your area of study, and never stop learning. Most important - network, network, network!

ScoreOwner/OperatorUS Average

Salary

9.4

Avg. Salary $167,288

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level

7.3

Growth Rate 4%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity

4.9

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.80%

Asian 3.61%

Black or African American 12.06%

Hispanic or Latino 17.14%

Unknown 4.66%

White 61.73%

Gender

female 33.23%

male 66.77%

Age - 49

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 49

Stress Level

7.3

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

4.6

Complexity Level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

1.4

Work Life balance is very poor

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being an Owner/Operator?

Pros

Opportunity to be your own boss
Potential for tax deductions
Direct relationship with customers
Potential for long-term financial stability
Ability to pursue a passion or interest

Cons

Potential for isolation and lack of support
Limited vacation time and potential difficulty in finding coverage
Difficulty in separating work and personal life
Potential for conflict with customers or employees
Difficulty in finding a work-life balance.

Key steps to become an owner/operator

Explore owner/operator education requirements

Most common owner/operator degrees

Bachelor's

41.7 %

Associate

24.8 %

High School Diploma

18.1 %

Start to develop specific owner/operator skills

Skills	Percentages
CDL	56.68%
PET	15.70%
Customer Service	12.20%
Payroll	4.31%
Human Resources	1.19%

Complete relevant owner/operator training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New owner/operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an owner/operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real owner/operator resumes.

Gain additional owner/operator certifications

Owner/operator certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific owner/operator certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for owner/operators include EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA) and Certified Management Accountant (CMA).

More About Certifications

Research owner/operator duties and responsibilities

Create and manage a free subscription, advertising- base facsimile publication and franchising system.
Manage all inventory for eBay store, including its labeling, storage, sales, and overall organization.
Design, implement and manage processes base on ITIL best practices, standards and relate support tools across the organization.
Direct daily operations of four profit centers, managing all financial functions to include A/R, A/P, payroll and purchasing.

Prepare your owner/operator resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your owner/operator resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an owner/operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose From 10+ Customizable Owner/Operator Resume templates

Build a professional Owner/Operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Owner/Operator resume.

Apply for owner/operator jobs

Now it's time to start searching for an owner/operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

How do owner/operators rate their job?

5/5

Based On 1 Ratings

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

Owner/Operator reviews

5.0

A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2020

Pros

Meeting achieving and surpassing any goals needed to catipult a company that I can stand behind.

What is an owner/operator and how to become one

What general advice would you give to an Owner/Operator?

What are the pros and cons of being an Owner/Operator?

Owner/Operator career paths

Key steps to become an owner/operator

Explore owner/operator education requirements

Most common owner/operator degrees

Start to develop specific owner/operator skills

Complete relevant owner/operator training and internships

Gain additional owner/operator certifications

Research owner/operator duties and responsibilities

Prepare your owner/operator resume

Choose From 10+ Customizable Owner/Operator Resume templates

Apply for owner/operator jobs

How Did You Land Your First Owner/Operator Job

Average owner/operator salary

How do owner/operators rate their job?

Owner/Operator reviews

Owner/Operator FAQs

How do I become a successful owner-operator?

How do I get started as an owner-operator?

How much do owner-operators make net?

How much money do you need to be an owner-operator?

Is being an owner-operator worth it?

What are the pros and cons of being an owner-operated truck driver?

Search for owner/operator jobs

Owner/Operator jobs by state