Wage watchers: how much does a taxi driver earn?

Taxi driver Wilfried Van Mullem, 51, from Linde, talks about what he earns and how he spends it.

What do you do and how much do you earn?

I’m a self-employed taxi driver; I pick up my fares outside Leuven station and drop them off within a 20-30km radius. Telephone bookings are rare. I take home €1,500 a month.

What do you think of your salary?

People are never satisfied about their wages; everybody wants to earn more. I’m no different.

Would you choose another occupation if the money was better?

Maybe I would, yes. I’d love to work in the catering trade, opening something. Not an ordinary bar, mind; somewhere where you go to have a nice chat and eat well.

Do you save?

I try to, but there is no monthly fixed amount.

What does the biggest part of your salary go towards?

Paying the mortgage of my flat, €900 a month or thereabouts.

What could you never spend money on?

Cigarettes.

What do you gladly pay good money for?

There are many things for which I pay good money: cars, eating out, holidays… the good things in life really.

Imagine that tomorrow you get a bumper pay rise. What would you do with the money?

I’d invest in property and buy a nice car.

(kg)