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How much can hotshot owner-operators earn in Montana (MT)? Estimated rates, gross and net monthly income, cost of living impact, fuel costs, and top lanes in the Mountain West region.
Rate Per Mile
$2.47
+12.3% vs national
Est. Gross Monthly
$23,465
+12.3% vs national
Est. Net Monthly
$15,043
After COL-adjusted expenses
| Metric | Montana | National Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rate/Mile | $2.47 | $2.20 | +12.3% |
| Gross Monthly | $23,465 | $20,900 | +12.3% |
| Est. Net Monthly | $15,043 | $13,585 | +10.7% |
| Cost of Living | 100 (Average) | 100 (Baseline) | +0% |
| Fuel Tax | 27.75c/gal | ~32c/gal | Below avg |
Montana has a roughly average cost of living (index 100). Hotshot rates of $2.47/mile translate well to real purchasing power. Operating expenses are in line with national norms, making MT a balanced market for hotshot owner-operators.
| Category | Est. Monthly | % of Gross |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | $3,754 | 16.0% |
| Insurance | $939 | 4.0% |
| Truck Payment / Lease | $1,440 | 6.1% |
| Maintenance & Repairs | $939 | 4.0% |
| Tires | $200 | 0.9% |
| Permits & Licenses | $150 | 0.6% |
| Food & Living | $800 | 3.4% |
| Phone / Software | $200 | 0.9% |
| Total Expenses | $8,422 | 35.9% |
| Net Take-Home | $15,043 | 64.1% |
Expenses adjusted for Montana's cost of living index (100). Actual costs vary by individual circumstances.
Montana's fuel tax of 27.75 cents/gallon is below the national average (~32c), giving hotshot carriers a fuel cost advantage. At 5-6 MPG, this saves approximately $64/month compared to higher-tax states. Combined with low freight volume, MT offers solid margin potential.
| State | Rate/Mile | Gross/Mo | Fuel Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montana (MT) | $2.47 | $23,465 | 27.75c |
| Colorado (CO) | $2.58 | $24,510 | 22.0c |
| Idaho (ID) | $2.47 | $23,465 | 33.0c |
| Utah (UT) | $2.56 | $24,320 | 31.9c |
| Wyoming (WY) | $2.34 | $22,230 | 24.0c |
A good dispatch service can boost your per-mile rate by $0.15-$0.40 through better load negotiation, reduced deadhead, and detention pay recovery.