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Sacramento, CA

Truck Driver Salary in Sacramento

2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Sacramento, California. Compare local pay to state and national averages.

CDL-A Avg

$69,462

CDL-B Avg

$63,616

Non-CDL Avg

$59,707

Owner-Op Gross

$347,200

Salary Comparison by License Type

How Sacramento truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.

CDL-A
$69,462
CDL-B
$63,616
Non-CDL
$59,707
Owner-Op (Gross)
$347,200

Cost of Living in Sacramento

Cost of Living Index128
Low (75)National Avg (100)High (200)

Sacramento's cost of living is 28% above the national average. Higher pay partially offsets increased housing and daily expenses.

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay

Nominal CDL-A Salary

$69,462

Adjusted Purchasing Power

$54,267

After adjusting for Sacramento's cost of living index of 128, a CDL-A salary of $69,462 provides the same purchasing power as $54,267 in an average-cost area. The higher nominal salary is partially offset by higher local expenses.

Sacramento vs California vs National Average

MetricSacramentoCA AvgNational
CDL-A Average$69,462$62,020$58,710
vs State+$7,442
vs National+$10,752
Cost of Living128142100
Adjusted Purchasing Power$54,267$43,676$58,710

Salary Trend in Sacramento

Rising

Truck driver wages in Sacramento are trending upward, driven by growth in government services and agriculture & food processing. E-commerce fulfillment expansion and high turnover across the California market continue to push pay higher.

Which carriers run freight through Sacramento?

These are large carriers with a real presence in the region. We do not publish what any of them pays in Sacramento — that is a number only the carrier and the driver know, and it moves with the account, the lane and your record. Ask for it in cents per mile alongside the expected weekly miles.

  • CRST International
  • Knight-Swift
  • Saia Inc.
  • Covenant Transport

Read our carrier profiles for pay structure, home time and equipment on each one.

Industries Driving Trucking Demand in Sacramento

These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Sacramento market.

1
Government Services
2
Agriculture & Food Processing
3
Healthcare
4
Technology
5
Clean Energy

Find Trucking Jobs in Sacramento

Browse CDL driver positions in Sacramento, CA from top carriers and local companies.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Sacramento

What is the average truck driver salary in Sacramento, CA?

CDL-A truck drivers in Sacramento, California earn an average of $69,462 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Sacramento market is influenced by government services and agriculture & food processing freight demand.

How much do owner-operators make in Sacramento?

Owner-operators based in Sacramento gross approximately $347,200 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $131,936 to $166,656. The Sacramento area's cost of living index of 128 is above the national average by 28%.

Is Sacramento a good city for trucking jobs?

Sacramento offers strong trucking employment thanks to its government services and agriculture & food processing sectors. The city's cost of living is above the national average, which should be factored into salary comparisons with lower-cost markets. CDL drivers with hazmat or tanker endorsements can earn 10-20% above the city average.