Trucking job to start?

Question

Hello,

I am 16 and starting to plan my Real Estate goals. I was looking into jobs to start off with to save capital, surprisingly truck driving came up.

In Texas a driver makes 150-200k a year. Do u think this would be a good career to start in for 5-10 years to grow and save capital, then begin investing in RE?

Harith Hadi · Answer

@Tikvah Schlissel

As a truck driver for 3 and a half years in Texas I can tell u that u numbers r way too high.

I made $63k last year as a company truck driver.

Other than that I think u on the right track trying to make some capital first before u jump in real estate.

That’s exactly what I’m trying to do now.

Good luck brother

Account Closed · Answer

@Tikvah Schlissel But driving could still be a good choice because you can make $40,000-$50,000 a year with zero housing expenses. You live in your truck driving over the road. A lot of drivers save a lot of money by just running 365 days a year with zero bills. Since you can live anywhere you could house hack any market in the country.

Account Closed · Answer

@Tikvah Schlissel my dad has been a driver for 20 years. He just landed a new job making $95,000 a year. But jobs like that ONLY hire veteran drivers. Unless you have connections there is absolutely no way you’re making that kind of money as a driver fresh out of CDL school. No way

Davido Davido · Answer

Hello @Tikvah Schlissel,   your thinking the right way -a good paying job, steady work and savings, then invest.  However, you've got faulty information about earnings for truck drivers.   Texas and North Dakota both have high demand and it is possible for an experienced driver to earn over $100,000 per year if you are willing to put in the maximum hours on duty allowed by the Fed. Motor Carrier Safety Admin (70 hours in 8 day period).  Unfortunately even in Texas, the typical truck driver doesn't make half of what you are projecting.  Not even $75,000 a year.   Earning $150,000 per year as a driver is almost unheard of, but especially not likely for a new driver.

Jim Cummings · Answer

@Tikvah Schlissel. Let me add there is a saying in the Trucking Profession:

Trucking is a pretty good living - but not a good life!

Issac Harris · Answer

You should probably take a deeper look into the trucking industry. I know a bunch of people in the industry as owner operator's and they may gross $200k+ a year but there is a ton of expenses to come out that you may never think of. I'm not knocking the trucking industry, it's been good to me and I'v made a lot of money over the years in my truck and trailer repair business. Just be careful and don't  jump in expecting your gonna start out at $200K a year. Good luck!!

Mike Reynolds · Answer

While it's true that most truckers make 50k a year here in Texas if you get a hazmat endorsement you can write your own ticket. Local companies that haul gasoline will pay upwards of 80k plus benefits plus bonus. The reason is there are many that have tickets or DUI or whatever that takes away the hazmat endorsement and there is a shortage of  drivers in that area. Keep in mind that you would also be one mistake away from 80k to 50k though so you would have to be diligent.

Jim Cummings · Answer

@Tikvah Schlissel. If you are investigating jobs that do not require a College Degree, and you have some ability to work with your hands, I would suggest looking in to becoming a Welder, Diesel Mechanic, HVAC Technician, Electrician, or Plumber.

All of these jobs can be learned via on-the-job training. Otherwise, you can acquire the basics through some Community Colleges, and most likely land a paying entry position immediately upon completion of the program.

If you are like most of us; you start at the bottom, move up in your profession, save your coins and several years down the road you are able to enter the world of real estate investing.  "House Hacking" as it's known on BP is a good way for a young person to start.

Scott Mac · Answer

Maybe TRY the Truck thing and see how much you can make.

Sleep in the back of the truck and eat in truck stops and bank everything else.

See if it's for you.

Right now truck driving a hot paying job. There is demand for it.

Some states allow 18 year olds to drive, and some require 21.

Good Luck!

Tikvah Schlissel · Answer

@Mr Davido

Thank you for the information. Knowing that a driver tops out at 100k, I should get a degree in accounting perhaps? If I did then I would have student debt. What do you think would make the most sense? If neither of these, what do u suggest?

Trucking job to start?

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