Truck Driver Salary in Baltimore
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Baltimore, Maryland. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$67,861
CDL-B Avg
$56,224
Non-CDL Avg
$59,282
Owner-Op Gross
$246,400
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Baltimore truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Baltimore
Baltimore'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
$67,861
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$64,630
After adjusting for Baltimore's cost of living index of 105, a CDL-A salary of $67,861 provides the same purchasing power as $64,630 in an average-cost area. The higher nominal salary is partially offset by higher local expenses.
Baltimore vs Maryland vs National Average
| Metric | Baltimore | MD Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $67,861 | $60,590 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$7,271 | ||
| vs National | +$9,151 | ||
| Cost of Living | 105 | 115 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $64,630 | $52,687 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Baltimore
Truck driver wages in Baltimore are trending upward, driven by growth in automotive import & export and healthcare (johns hopkins). E-commerce fulfillment expansion and high turnover across the Maryland market continue to push pay higher.
Which carriers run freight through Baltimore?
These are large carriers with a real presence in the region. We do not publish what any of them pays in Baltimore — that is a number only the carrier and the driver know, and it moves with the account, the lane and your record.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 Baltimore
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Baltimore market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Baltimore
Browse CDL driver positions in Baltimore, MD from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Baltimore
What is the average truck driver salary in Baltimore, MD?
CDL-A truck drivers in Baltimore, Maryland earn an average of $67,861 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Baltimore market is influenced by automotive import & export and healthcare (johns hopkins) freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Baltimore?
Owner-operators based in Baltimore gross approximately $246,400 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $93,632 to $118,272. The Baltimore area's cost of living index of 105 is near the national average.
Is Baltimore a good city for trucking jobs?
Baltimore offers strong trucking employment thanks to its automotive import & export and healthcare (johns hopkins) 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.