Truck Driver Salary in Seattle
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Seattle, Washington. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$76,418
CDL-B Avg
$56,224
Non-CDL Avg
$59,942
Owner-Op Gross
$252,000
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Seattle truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Seattle
Seattle's cost of living is 58% above the national average. Higher pay partially offsets increased housing and daily expenses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$76,418
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$48,366
After adjusting for Seattle's cost of living index of 158, a CDL-A salary of $76,418 provides the same purchasing power as $48,366 in an average-cost area. The higher nominal salary is partially offset by higher local expenses.
Seattle vs Washington vs National Average
| Metric | Seattle | WA Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $76,418 | $68,230 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$8,188 | ||
| vs National | +$17,708 | ||
| Cost of Living | 158 | 115 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $48,366 | $59,330 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Seattle
Truck driver wages in Seattle are trending upward, driven by growth in port operations & asian trade and aerospace (boeing). E-commerce fulfillment expansion and high turnover across the Washington market continue to push pay higher.
Which carriers run freight through Seattle?
These are large carriers with a real presence in the region. We do not publish what any of them pays in Seattle — that is a number only the carrier and the driver know, and it moves with the account, the lane and your record.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.
- CRST International
- Knight-Swift
- Saia Inc.
- Covenant Transport
Read our carrier profiles for pay structure, home time and equipment on each one.
Industries Driving Trucking Demand in Seattle
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Seattle market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Seattle
Browse CDL driver positions in Seattle, WA from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Seattle
What is the average truck driver salary in Seattle, WA?
CDL-A truck drivers in Seattle, Washington earn an average of $76,418 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Seattle market is influenced by port operations & asian trade and aerospace (boeing) freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Seattle?
Owner-operators based in Seattle gross approximately $252,000 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $95,760 to $120,960. The Seattle area's cost of living index of 158 is above the national average by 58%.
Is Seattle a good city for trucking jobs?
Seattle offers strong trucking employment thanks to its port operations & asian trade and aerospace (boeing) 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.