Truck Driver Salary in Tucson
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Tucson, Arizona. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$63,736
CDL-B Avg
$47,802
Non-CDL Avg
$38,242
Owner-Op Gross
$178,461
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Tucson truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Tucson
Tucson's cost of living is 6% below the national average. Your trucking salary stretches further here than in most cities.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$63,736
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$67,804
After adjusting for Tucson's cost of living index of 94, a CDL-A salary of $63,736 provides the same purchasing power as $67,804 in an average-cost area. Your money goes further in Tucson than the raw salary suggests.
Tucson vs Arizona vs National Average
| Metric | Tucson | AZ Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $63,736 | $58,200 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$5,536 | ||
| vs National | +$5,026 | ||
| Cost of Living | 94 | 103 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $67,804 | $56,505 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Tucson
Truck driver wages in Tucson are trending upward, driven by growth in aerospace & defense and cross-border trade (nogales). E-commerce fulfillment expansion and a persistent driver shortage in the Arizona market continue to push pay higher.
Top Paying Companies in Tucson
These carriers and logistics companies offer some of the highest truck driver pay in the Tucson area.
| Company | Avg Annual Pay |
|---|---|
| 1J.B. Hunt | $70,088 |
| 2Knight-Swift | $68,993 |
| 3Schneider National | $67,897 |
| 4Ryder | $64,612 |
Industries Driving Trucking Demand in Tucson
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Tucson market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Tucson
Browse CDL driver positions in Tucson, AZ from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Tucson
What is the average truck driver salary in Tucson, AZ?
CDL-A truck drivers in Tucson, Arizona earn an average of $63,736 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Tucson market is influenced by aerospace & defense and cross-border trade (nogales) freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Tucson?
Owner-operators based in Tucson gross approximately $178,461 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $67,815 to $85,661. The Tucson area's cost of living index of 94 is below the national average by 6%.
Is Tucson a good city for trucking jobs?
Tucson offers strong trucking employment thanks to its aerospace & defense and cross-border trade (nogales) 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.