Truck Driver Salary in Raleigh
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Raleigh, North Carolina. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$60,275
CDL-B Avg
$49,140
Non-CDL Avg
$46,073
Owner-Op Gross
$213,840
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Raleigh truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Raleigh
Raleigh'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
$60,275
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$60,275
After adjusting for Raleigh's cost of living index of 100, a CDL-A salary of $60,275 provides the same purchasing power as $60,275 in an average-cost area.
Raleigh vs North Carolina vs National Average
| Metric | Raleigh | NC Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $60,275 | $55,810 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$4,465 | ||
| vs National | +$1,565 | ||
| Cost of Living | 100 | 94 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $60,275 | $59,372 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Raleigh
Truck driver wages in Raleigh are trending upward, driven by growth in pharmaceutical & biotech and technology hardware. E-commerce fulfillment expansion and high turnover across the North Carolina market continue to push pay higher.
Which carriers run freight through Raleigh?
These are large carriers with a real presence in the region. We do not publish what any of them pays in Raleigh — that is a number only the carrier and the driver know, and it moves with the account, the lane and your record.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.
- Werner Enterprises
- Heartland Express
- USA Truck
- Averitt Express
Read our carrier profiles for pay structure, home time and equipment on each one.
Industries Driving Trucking Demand in Raleigh
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Raleigh market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Raleigh
Browse CDL driver positions in Raleigh, NC from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Raleigh
What is the average truck driver salary in Raleigh, NC?
CDL-A truck drivers in Raleigh, North Carolina earn an average of $60,275 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Raleigh market is influenced by pharmaceutical & biotech and technology hardware freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Raleigh?
Owner-operators based in Raleigh gross approximately $213,840 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $81,259 to $102,643. The Raleigh area's cost of living index of 100 is near the national average.
Is Raleigh a good city for trucking jobs?
Raleigh offers strong trucking employment thanks to its pharmaceutical & biotech and technology hardware 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.