Truck Driver Salary in Buffalo
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Buffalo, New York. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$71,042
CDL-B Avg
$58,536
Non-CDL Avg
$54,356
Owner-Op Gross
$275,400
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Buffalo truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Buffalo
Buffalo's cost of living is 7% below the national average. Your trucking salary stretches further here than in most cities.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$71,042
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$76,389
After adjusting for Buffalo's cost of living index of 93, a CDL-A salary of $71,042 provides the same purchasing power as $76,389 in an average-cost area. Your money goes further in Buffalo than the raw salary suggests.
Buffalo vs New York vs National Average
| Metric | Buffalo | NY Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $71,042 | $65,780 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$5,262 | ||
| vs National | +$12,332 | ||
| Cost of Living | 93 | 122 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $76,389 | $53,918 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Buffalo
Truck driver wages in Buffalo are trending upward, driven by growth in cross-border trade (canada) and manufacturing. E-commerce fulfillment expansion and high turnover across the New York market continue to push pay higher.
Which carriers run freight through Buffalo?
These are large carriers with a real presence in the region. We do not publish what any of them pays in Buffalo — that is a number only the carrier and the driver know, and it moves with the account, the lane and your record.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 Buffalo
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Buffalo market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Buffalo
Browse CDL driver positions in Buffalo, NY from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Buffalo
What is the average truck driver salary in Buffalo, NY?
CDL-A truck drivers in Buffalo, New York earn an average of $71,042 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Buffalo market is influenced by cross-border trade (canada) and manufacturing freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Buffalo?
Owner-operators based in Buffalo gross approximately $275,400 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $104,652 to $132,192. The Buffalo area's cost of living index of 93 is below the national average by 7%.
Is Buffalo a good city for trucking jobs?
Buffalo offers strong trucking employment thanks to its cross-border trade (canada) and manufacturing 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.