Truck Driver Salary in Trenton
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Trenton, New Jersey. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$66,770
CDL-B Avg
$54,800
Non-CDL Avg
$49,810
Owner-Op Gross
$265,000
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Trenton truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Trenton
Trenton's cost of living is 16% above the national average. Higher pay partially offsets increased housing and daily expenses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$66,770
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$57,560
After adjusting for Trenton's cost of living index of 116, a CDL-A salary of $66,770 provides the same purchasing power as $57,560 in an average-cost area. The higher nominal salary is partially offset by higher local expenses.
Trenton vs New Jersey vs National Average
| Metric | Trenton | NJ Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $66,770 | $66,770 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$0 | ||
| vs National | +$8,060 | ||
| Cost of Living | 116 | 120 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $57,560 | $55,642 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Trenton
Trucking pay in Trenton has remained steady, supported by consistent freight demand from government services and pharmaceutical. The New Jersey market offers reliable work with predictable earnings for CDL drivers.
Which carriers run freight through Trenton?
These are large carriers with a real presence in the region. We do not publish what any of them pays in Trenton — that is a number only the carrier and the driver know, and it moves with the account, the lane and your record.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 Trenton
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Trenton market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Trenton
Browse CDL driver positions in Trenton, NJ from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Trenton
What is the average truck driver salary in Trenton, NJ?
CDL-A truck drivers in Trenton, New Jersey earn an average of $66,770 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Trenton market is influenced by government services and pharmaceutical freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Trenton?
Owner-operators based in Trenton gross approximately $265,000 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $100,700 to $127,200. The Trenton area's cost of living index of 116 is above the national average by 16%.
Is Trenton a good city for trucking jobs?
Trenton offers strong trucking employment thanks to its government services and pharmaceutical 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.