Truck Driver Salary in Dayton
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Dayton, Ohio. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$63,086
CDL-B Avg
$48,360
Non-CDL Avg
$45,999
Owner-Op Gross
$208,000
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Dayton truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Dayton
Dayton's cost of living is 15% below the national average. Your trucking salary stretches further here than in most cities.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$63,086
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$74,219
After adjusting for Dayton's cost of living index of 85, a CDL-A salary of $63,086 provides the same purchasing power as $74,219 in an average-cost area. Your money goes further in Dayton than the raw salary suggests.
Dayton vs Ohio vs National Average
| Metric | Dayton | OH Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $63,086 | $60,660 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$2,426 | ||
| vs National | +$4,376 | ||
| Cost of Living | 85 | 90 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $74,219 | $67,400 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Dayton
Trucking pay in Dayton has remained steady, supported by consistent freight demand from defense & aerospace (wright-patterson) and automotive parts. The Ohio market offers reliable work with predictable earnings for CDL drivers.
Which carriers run freight through Dayton?
These are large carriers with a real presence in the region. We do not publish what any of them pays in Dayton — that is a number only the carrier and the driver know, and it moves with the account, the lane and your record.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 Dayton
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Dayton market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Dayton
Browse CDL driver positions in Dayton, OH from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Dayton
What is the average truck driver salary in Dayton, OH?
CDL-A truck drivers in Dayton, Ohio earn an average of $63,086 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Dayton market is influenced by defense & aerospace (wright-patterson) and automotive parts freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Dayton?
Owner-operators based in Dayton gross approximately $208,000 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $79,040 to $99,840. The Dayton area's cost of living index of 85 is below the national average by 15%.
Is Dayton a good city for trucking jobs?
Dayton offers strong trucking employment thanks to its defense & aerospace (wright-patterson) and automotive parts 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.