Truck Driver Salary in Wilmington
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Wilmington, Delaware. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$59,675
CDL-B Avg
$50,128
Non-CDL Avg
$48,339
Owner-Op Gross
$213,200
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Wilmington truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Wilmington
Wilmington's cost of living is near the national average, offering a balanced ratio of salary to expenses for truck drivers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$59,675
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$56,833
After adjusting for Wilmington's cost of living index of 105, a CDL-A salary of $59,675 provides the same purchasing power as $56,833 in an average-cost area. The higher nominal salary is partially offset by higher local expenses.
Wilmington vs Delaware vs National Average
| Metric | Wilmington | DE Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $59,675 | $57,380 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$2,295 | ||
| vs National | +$965 | ||
| Cost of Living | 105 | 104 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $56,833 | $55,173 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Wilmington
Trucking pay in Wilmington has remained steady, supported by consistent freight demand from financial services & banking and chemical manufacturing (dupont legacy). The Delaware market offers reliable work with predictable earnings for CDL drivers.
Which carriers run freight through Wilmington?
These are large carriers with a real presence in the region. We do not publish what any of them pays in Wilmington — that is a number only the carrier and the driver know, and it moves with the account, the lane and your record.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.
- Saia Inc.
- Old Dominion
- Estes Express
- XPO Logistics
Read our carrier profiles for pay structure, home time and equipment on each one.
Industries Driving Trucking Demand in Wilmington
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Wilmington market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Wilmington
Browse CDL driver positions in Wilmington, DE from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Wilmington
What is the average truck driver salary in Wilmington, DE?
CDL-A truck drivers in Wilmington, Delaware earn an average of $59,675 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Wilmington market is influenced by financial services & banking and chemical manufacturing (dupont legacy) freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Wilmington?
Owner-operators based in Wilmington gross approximately $213,200 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $81,016 to $102,336. The Wilmington area's cost of living index of 105 is near the national average.
Is Wilmington a good city for trucking jobs?
Wilmington offers strong trucking employment thanks to its financial services & banking and chemical manufacturing (dupont legacy) sectors. The city's cost of living is near the national average, which provides a balanced ratio of earnings to expenses. CDL drivers with hazmat or tanker endorsements can earn 10-20% above the city average.