Truck Driver Salary in Sacramento
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Sacramento, California. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$81,362
CDL-B Avg
$64,276
Non-CDL Avg
$49,631
Owner-Op Gross
$244,086
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Sacramento truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Sacramento
Sacramento's cost of living is 28% above the national average. Higher pay partially offsets increased housing and daily expenses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$81,362
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$63,564
After adjusting for Sacramento's cost of living index of 128, a CDL-A salary of $81,362 provides the same purchasing power as $63,564 in an average-cost area. The higher nominal salary is partially offset by higher local expenses.
Sacramento vs California vs National Average
| Metric | Sacramento | CA Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $81,362 | $72,500 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$8,862 | ||
| vs National | +$22,652 | ||
| Cost of Living | 128 | 142 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $63,564 | $51,056 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Sacramento
Truck driver wages in Sacramento are trending upward, driven by growth in government services and agriculture & food processing. E-commerce fulfillment expansion and a persistent driver shortage in the California market continue to push pay higher.
Top Paying Companies in Sacramento
These carriers and logistics companies offer some of the highest truck driver pay in the Sacramento area.
| Company | Avg Annual Pay |
|---|---|
| 1Knight-Swift | $76,312 |
| 2YRC Worldwide | $75,190 |
| 3NFI Industries | $72,946 |
| 4CRST International | $71,823 |
Industries Driving Trucking Demand in Sacramento
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Sacramento market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Sacramento
Browse CDL driver positions in Sacramento, CA from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Sacramento
What is the average truck driver salary in Sacramento, CA?
CDL-A truck drivers in Sacramento, California earn an average of $81,362 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Sacramento market is influenced by government services and agriculture & food processing freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Sacramento?
Owner-operators based in Sacramento gross approximately $244,086 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $92,753 to $117,161. The Sacramento area's cost of living index of 128 is above the national average by 28%.
Is Sacramento a good city for trucking jobs?
Sacramento offers strong trucking employment thanks to its government services and agriculture & food processing 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.