Truck driver pay calculator
Turn a pay-per-mile offer into weekly, monthly and yearly pay, plus an estimated W-2 take-home.
Ask the AI tax helper
Wondering what’s taken out of that paycheck, or what you could deduct? Ask below.
How is truck driver pay per mile calculated?
Pay per mile (CPM) is simple: miles × rate. At $0.68 per mile and 2,500 paid miles a week, gross pay is $1,700 a week, or about $85,000 over 50 weeks. What you keep is lower: taxes come out, and some jobs deduct or don’t pay for things like empty miles, detention or layovers.
- Paid miles vs actual miles. Many carriers pay on “practical” or “hub” miles, which can be fewer than the miles on your odometer. Ask which one applies.
- All miles vs loaded miles. Some jobs pay only for loaded miles. Empty (deadhead) miles can be 10–15% of your total.
- Extra pay. Ask about layover, detention, stop pay, safety bonuses and sign-on bonuses, and get them in writing.
- Miles per week depends on freight, lanes and how the dispatcher runs you. Use a number you can verify, not the best week.
Related tools
- 1099 vs W-2 calculator: compare take-home after taxes
- Per diem calculator
- Open CDL-A jobs and the 60-second job match quiz
Frequently asked questions
How much does a truck driver make at 70 cents per mile?
At $0.70 per mile and 2,500 paid miles a week, gross pay is $1,750 a week, about $87,500 over 50 weeks, before taxes and costs. Change the numbers in the calculator to match your miles and weeks.
How many miles per week do OTR truck drivers drive?
Solo OTR drivers commonly average about 2,500–3,000 paid miles a week, but it varies with freight, lanes, hours-of-service and dispatch. Ask the carrier for typical averages, not the best week.
Is cents per mile or percentage pay better?
It depends on the lane and rates. CPM is predictable. Percentage pay can earn more when rates are high and less when they’re low. Compare total weekly pay on realistic miles, and ask about empty miles and accessorials.
What is a good cents-per-mile rate for a truck driver?
Rates vary by freight type, experience, region and company. Instead of chasing a single number, compare total pay, miles, home time, fuel and equipment costs, and benefits, and use the 1099 vs W-2 calculator to see take-home.
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These tools give estimates for education only using 2026 U.S. federal rules (figures as of October 2026). They are not tax, legal or financial advice, and your real tax depends on your full situation, your state, and the choices you make on your return. Talk to a tax professional before making decisions. Sources: IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32, IRS Notice 2026-60, SSA contribution and benefit base.