I’d have to see the numbers to support the claim that truckers make 6 figures. That’s quite a bit distant from the stories I’ve heard.
A guy who owns his own truck can gross 6 figures but the net is mid 5 figures at best. Fuel, maintenance and taxes are killers
Our oil haulers work 24 hours a day 7 days a week and they still leave us waiting 2 to 3 days to pick up a load of oil. Get a little wet weather and it jumps to 5 to 7 days, they work all the hours they legally can. 100 grand a year is not unusual for that business.
I had occasion a couple of years ago to ask that question of someone at ATA. This was a very senior person, not someone directly involved with labor issues but broadly knowledgeable about the industry. This person immediately knew the answer, so it was something the association was watching. I was told that the highest earnings the previous year were by a husband-wife driving team that made $240,000. I didn't press for details, but I imagine they must have basically lived in the cab (which could very well imply very low housing expenses if they didn't maintain an empty house or apartment somewhere). I of course wonder how long that arrangement lasted and if they're still married. Naturally, I hope they made it work and that they were able to hit whatever financial target they were presumably chasing.
The story reminded me of those extreme supersavers who decide they want to retire at 40 and who live an extraordinarily Spartan life to make it happen. The stories that get into the press generally involve young couples who make this a lifestyle and seem to be happy. They usually seem to be pretty outdoorsy and athletic to begin with, and living on a pittance is not unattractive if your idea of fun is climbing mountains or riding a bike, and home is just a place to catch a shower before work.
The $240,000 couple was an outlier. The average pay for truckers that same year was about $40,000. This was three or four years ago.