Truck Driver Tax Calculator 2026
Estimate a company truck driver's 2026 take-home — and how owner-operators are taxed differently.
Tax breakdown on $57,000
Approximate 2026 U.S. median for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers (BLS OES). Federal only — add your state income tax with the calculators below. Excludes credits, other income, and (for 1099) business deductions and the QBI deduction.
Take-home at different truck driver salaries
| Gross | Federal income tax | FICA | Annual take-home | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $2,620 | $3,060 | $34,320 | $2,860 |
| $48,000 | $3,580 | $3,672 | $40,748 | $3,396 |
| $57,000 | $4,660 | $4,361 | $47,980 | $3,998 |
| $66,000 | $5,740 | $5,049 | $55,211 | $4,601 |
| $77,000 | $8,110 | $5,891 | $63,000 | $5,250 |
How truck driver taxes work
Company drivers are W-2 employees with taxes withheld; owner-operators are 1099 self-employed and owe self-employment tax plus must make quarterly estimated payments. The estimate below models a W-2 company driver — owner-operators should expect higher payroll-type tax but far more deductions.
Transportation workers subject to DOT hours-of-service rules can claim a special per-diem rate for meals on overnight trips, which lowers taxable income. Owner-operators can also deduct fuel, truck depreciation, maintenance, insurance, and licensing.
Tax notes for truck drivers
- Company (W-2) drivers have FICA withheld; owner-operators (1099) owe 15.3% self-employment tax instead.
- DOT per-diem for meals on overnight hauls reduces taxable income — keep a log of nights away.
- Owner-operators deduct fuel, repairs, depreciation, insurance, tolls, and permits.
- Owner-operators must pay quarterly estimated taxes to avoid underpayment penalties.
Truck Driver tax FAQs
How much does a truck driver take home after taxes in 2026?
A single truck driver earning about $57,000 takes home roughly $47,980 a year (about $3,998 per month) after federal income tax and Social Security and Medicare — an effective federal rate of about 15.83%. This is before any state income tax and before 401(k)/HSA contributions.
How much does a truck driver take home after taxes?
A single company driver earning about $57,000 keeps roughly the amount shown above after federal income tax and FICA, before state tax. Owner-operators net differently because of self-employment tax and business deductions.
Do truck drivers get a per diem deduction?
Drivers subject to DOT hours-of-service rules can use the special transportation-worker per-diem rate for meals on overnight trips, which lowers taxable income. Keep records of nights away from home.
How are owner-operators taxed differently?
Owner-operators receive 1099 income, owe 15.3% self-employment tax, and pay quarterly estimates — but can deduct fuel, truck depreciation, maintenance, and insurance, which often substantially lowers taxable income.