My husband is laid off and he was thinking about becoming a driver. My question is, what is a normal pay range f0r a new driver. wondering if its worth being away from home.

by alicia
(st louis mo)

How much he should expect to get paid and which company pays the most and takes new graduates
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Here is how much truckers make


Higher paying truck driving jobs

Comments for My husband is laid off and he was thinking about becoming a driver. My question is, what is a normal pay range f0r a new driver. wondering if its worth being away from home.

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May 02, 2013
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hogan trucking
by: Anonymous

He signed a 14 month contract with hogan. He went to MTC yesterday and starts schooling on Monday.

Now I am completely aware that school recruiters will make everything sound good in order to get your money. His recruiter says the average pay would be 950/ week home every weekend. Now this sounded like a lot to me. Almost too good to be true.

I am just a little skeptical of the whole thing but he has to do what he has to do I'm just curious as to what people have to say about this.

May 02, 2013
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is trucking worth being away from home
by: Hervy

Alicia as you can see there are opposing answers to the question that you asked, "is trucking worth being away from home?"

That is because it matters who the person is, who the spouse is and the family situation.

You are right to ask but the answer is not one someone can give you. It is one that you will have to determine. Here is how.....
the advantages and disadvantages of becoming a trucker

If you will read that information and the links from it, you will have a better idea about whether it is worth it for him and you or not.

As far as the pay, food and cost of being over the road, all of it is also addressed from the page if you didn't follow the links under your post already.

Pay will likely NOT be $40,000 the first year, but maybe the second. The pay will likely be $25,000 -$35,000 especially if he goes to a company sponsored program.

Cost of being over the road is there, but most of it comes from us drivers not budgeting. So, much of what we spend is unnecessary just to keep it real.

Think about it, we have to fuel everyday at a truck stop, I am sure that many drivers buy something out of there at each stop. Doing that everyday will add up. Usually that purchase is junk food, (soda, chips, cookies, cake and my personal favorite guilty pleasure.....pizza)

Most drivers stop at the truck stop more than to just fuel and park there over night. Money is spent then too.

Much of why weight is gained and money is blown is because of lack of discipline and budgeting. If you guys discuss that prior, it will help to avoid it.

May 01, 2013
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worth it
by: Anonymous

It depends on what company you work for. Do research before you get started. If you hubby is careful on the road and fills his truck with food and drinks, he can spend very little. He won't want to eat that food anyway as it will make him gain weight. Starting pay for my hubby at the company he is with will be about $40 000.

May 01, 2013
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Not worth it
by: Anonymous

Trust me! Not worth being away from home. My fiance just started back in January and he got paid more at his previous job being part time than he does being on the road. The lifestyle sucks and they spend more money out there on the road than they make.

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