Truck Driver Salary in Detroit
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Detroit, Michigan. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$63,134
CDL-B Avg
$52,864
Non-CDL Avg
$52,326
Owner-Op Gross
$229,600
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Detroit truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Detroit
Detroit's cost of living is 11% below the national average. Your trucking salary stretches further here than in most cities.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$63,134
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$70,937
After adjusting for Detroit's cost of living index of 89, a CDL-A salary of $63,134 provides the same purchasing power as $70,937 in an average-cost area. Your money goes further in Detroit than the raw salary suggests.
Detroit vs Michigan vs National Average
| Metric | Detroit | MI Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $63,134 | $56,370 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$6,764 | ||
| vs National | +$4,424 | ||
| Cost of Living | 89 | 91 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $70,937 | $61,945 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Detroit
Truck driver wages in Detroit are trending upward, driven by growth in automotive manufacturing and steel & raw materials. E-commerce fulfillment expansion and high turnover across the Michigan market continue to push pay higher.
Which carriers run freight through Detroit?
These are large carriers with a real presence in the region. We do not publish what any of them pays in Detroit — that is a number only the carrier and the driver know, and it moves with the account, the lane and your record.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.
- Schneider National
- J.B. Hunt
- TMC Transportation
- Crete Carrier
Read our carrier profiles for pay structure, home time and equipment on each one.
Industries Driving Trucking Demand in Detroit
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Detroit market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Detroit
Browse CDL driver positions in Detroit, MI from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Detroit
What is the average truck driver salary in Detroit, MI?
CDL-A truck drivers in Detroit, Michigan earn an average of $63,134 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Detroit market is influenced by automotive manufacturing and steel & raw materials freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Detroit?
Owner-operators based in Detroit gross approximately $229,600 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $87,248 to $110,208. The Detroit area's cost of living index of 89 is below the national average by 11%.
Is Detroit a good city for trucking jobs?
Detroit offers strong trucking employment thanks to its automotive manufacturing and steel & raw materials sectors. The city's cost of living is below the national average, which means your paycheck goes further here than in many metros. CDL drivers with hazmat or tanker endorsements can earn 10-20% above the city average.