Prime Inc. Driver Pay
Below Average — #36 of 40$50,000 - $80,000+/year
Last updated: 2026-03-01
Prime Inc. Pay Overview
Prime is one of the top entry-level carriers thanks to their paid CDL training, but experienced drivers can earn well above average in their tanker and flatbed divisions. Prime's lease-purchase program is popular but requires careful financial analysis — net take-home after truck payments and expenses can vary significantly. Company driver pay is straightforward mileage-based.
Pay by Experience Level
CPM increases with verifiable experience — here is what to expect at each stage.
| Experience | Pay Range |
|---|---|
| 0-1 year | $0.41 - $0.47/mi |
| 1-3 years | $0.47 - $0.53/mi |
| 3-5 years | $0.53 - $0.59/mi |
| 5-10 years | $0.59 - $0.64/mi |
| 10+ years | $0.64 - $0.70/mi |
Pay by Equipment Type
| Equipment | CPM / Hourly |
|---|---|
| Reefer (OTR) | $0.43 - $0.66/mi |
| Tanker | $0.48 - $0.70/mi |
| Flatbed | $0.50 - $0.72/mi |
| Dry Van | $0.41 - $0.62/mi |
Pay by Job Type
OTR
$50,000 - $75,000
per year
Regional
$52,000 - $78,000
per year
Dedicated
$55,000 - $80,000
per year
Bonuses & Incentives
Sign-On Bonus
Up to $5,000 for experienced flatbed/tanker drivers
Safety Bonus
Quarterly safety bonuses up to $1,000
Referral Bonus
$500 - $1,500 per hired referral
Fuel Efficiency
$0.01/mi fuel bonus for top MPG
Benefits Package
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Health Insurance | Medical plans after 60 days, multiple options |
| Dental | Dental coverage available |
| Vision | Vision coverage available |
| Retirement | 401(k) with company match |
| Paid Time Off | Paid vacation after 1 year |
| Tuition Reimbursement | Fully paid CDL training — Prime's hallmark benefit |
Pay Schedule, Home Time & Per Diem
Pay Schedule
Weekly direct deposit
Home Time
OTR: Every 2-3 weeks | Flatbed/Tanker: Varies by region
Per Diem
$56/day per diem for OTR drivers
How Prime Inc. Pay Compares
Prime Inc. ranks #36 out of 40 carriers tracked — rated Below Average for driver compensation.
| Company | Overall Pay Range |
|---|---|
| Prime Inc. (this carrier) | $50,000 - $80,000+ |
| Werner Enterprises | $52,000 - $80,000 |
| Schneider National | $50,000 - $85,000 |
| J.B. Hunt Transport Services | $55,000 - $95,000 |
| Knight-Swift Transportation | $50,000 - $85,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Prime Inc. pay per mile?
Prime pays $0.41-$0.70/mi depending on division and experience. Reefer OTR starts around $0.43/mi for new graduates, while experienced flatbed drivers can earn $0.72/mi. Tanker division also commands premium pay.
Does Prime Inc. pay for CDL training?
Yes, Prime offers one of the most well-known paid CDL training programs in trucking. Students earn a training wage during the program, and there is no upfront cost. In exchange, you commit to driving for Prime for a set period (typically 12 months).
How much can you make leasing from Prime?
Prime lease-purchase operators gross $150,000-$200,000+, but net take-home after truck payments, fuel, insurance, and maintenance varies widely — typically $50,000-$80,000 net. It is critical to understand all costs before committing to a lease.
Which Prime division pays the most?
Flatbed typically pays the highest CPM at Prime due to the additional skill required for loading, securing, and tarping. Tanker is a close second because of hazmat requirements. Reefer pays more than dry van but less than flatbed.
Does Prime hire drivers with no experience?
Yes, Prime is one of the most new-driver-friendly carriers. They accept applicants with no CDL or experience through their company-paid training program. After training, you will drive as a company driver or enter their lease-purchase program.
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