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Duluth, MN

Truck Driver Salary in Duluth

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

CDL-A Avg

$63,630

CDL-B Avg

$47,500

Non-CDL Avg

$52,860

Owner-Op Gross

$210,000

Salary Comparison by License Type

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

CDL-A
$63,630
CDL-B
$47,500
Non-CDL
$52,860
Owner-Op (Gross)
$210,000

Cost of Living in Duluth

Cost of Living Index97
Low (75)National Avg (100)High (200)

Duluth'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

$63,630

Adjusted Purchasing Power

$65,598

After adjusting for Duluth's cost of living index of 97, a CDL-A salary of $63,630 provides the same purchasing power as $65,598 in an average-cost area. Your money goes further in Duluth than the raw salary suggests.

Duluth vs Minnesota vs National Average

MetricDuluthMN AvgNational
CDL-A Average$63,630$63,630$58,710
vs State+$0
vs National+$4,920
Cost of Living9797100
Adjusted Purchasing Power$65,598$65,598$58,710

Salary Trend in Duluth

Stable

Trucking pay in Duluth has remained steady, supported by consistent freight demand from iron ore mining and port operations. The Minnesota market offers reliable work with predictable earnings for CDL drivers.

Which carriers run freight through Duluth?

These are large carriers with a real presence in the region. We do not publish what any of them pays in Duluth — that is a number only the carrier and the driver know, and it moves with the account, the lane and your record.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 Duluth

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

1
Iron Ore Mining
2
Port Operations
3
Healthcare
4
Tourism
5
Forest Products

Find Trucking Jobs in Duluth

Browse CDL driver positions in Duluth, MN from top carriers and local companies.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Duluth

What is the average truck driver salary in Duluth, MN?

CDL-A truck drivers in Duluth, Minnesota earn an average of $63,630 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Duluth market is influenced by iron ore mining and port operations freight demand.

How much do owner-operators make in Duluth?

Owner-operators based in Duluth gross approximately $210,000 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $79,800 to $100,800. The Duluth area's cost of living index of 97 is near the national average.

Is Duluth a good city for trucking jobs?

Duluth offers strong trucking employment thanks to its iron ore mining and port operations sectors. The city's cost of living is near 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.