Being an owner-operator is not just a job, it's a business. Truckers who drive oil tankers often make more money due to the additional risks and skills required. On any given day, there are hundreds of thousands of job openings for long-distance truckers, and the demand for this form of transportation continues to increase. A truck driver's salary can often compete with the salary of a mid-level business executive, and there are always opportunities to increase your earning potential.
Local truck jobs can pay a decent salary, depending on the type of cargo you're carrying. Loads that require driver unloading, such as Sysco food, for example, pay very well but require a lot of hard physical work. A truck driver is not going to make money apart and will almost certainly never get anywhere in his own trucking business. If you are willing to take on the risks and dangers associated with higher-paid jobs, you could earn the best money there is.
It might be advantageous to live or work for a trucking company in either of those states if you want to maximize your CDL training. Smaller trucking companies tend to start new drivers at higher salaries than larger companies. Experienced truck drivers also tend to make more money than new drivers who are just starting out.
