Truck Driver Salary in San Diego
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in San Diego, California. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$81,525
CDL-B Avg
$59,513
Non-CDL Avg
$48,100
Owner-Op Gross
$228,270
Salary Comparison by License Type
How San Diego truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in San Diego
San Diego's cost of living is 60% above the national average. Higher pay partially offsets increased housing and daily expenses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$81,525
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$50,953
After adjusting for San Diego's cost of living index of 160, a CDL-A salary of $81,525 provides the same purchasing power as $50,953 in an average-cost area. The higher nominal salary is partially offset by higher local expenses.
San Diego vs California vs National Average
| Metric | San Diego | CA Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $81,525 | $72,500 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$9,025 | ||
| vs National | +$22,815 | ||
| Cost of Living | 160 | 142 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $50,953 | $51,056 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in San Diego
Truck driver wages in San Diego are trending upward, driven by growth in military & defense and biotech & pharmaceutical. E-commerce fulfillment expansion and a persistent driver shortage in the California market continue to push pay higher.
Top Paying Companies in San Diego
These carriers and logistics companies offer some of the highest truck driver pay in the San Diego area.
| Company | Avg Annual Pay |
|---|---|
| 1Saia Inc. | $78,714 |
| 2Knight-Swift | $76,465 |
| 3Covenant Transport | $74,216 |
| 4CRST International | $71,967 |
Industries Driving Trucking Demand in San Diego
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the San Diego market.
Find Trucking Jobs in San Diego
Browse CDL driver positions in San Diego, CA from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in San Diego
What is the average truck driver salary in San Diego, CA?
CDL-A truck drivers in San Diego, California earn an average of $81,525 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The San Diego market is influenced by military & defense and biotech & pharmaceutical freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in San Diego?
Owner-operators based in San Diego gross approximately $228,270 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $86,743 to $109,570. The San Diego area's cost of living index of 160 is above the national average by 60%.
Is San Diego a good city for trucking jobs?
San Diego offers strong trucking employment thanks to its military & defense and biotech & pharmaceutical 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.