Truck Driver Salary in San Francisco
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in San Francisco, California. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$80,875
CDL-B Avg
$59,039
Non-CDL Avg
$50,951
Owner-Op Gross
$242,625
Salary Comparison by License Type
How San Francisco truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in San Francisco
San Francisco's cost of living is 79% above the national average. Higher pay partially offsets increased housing and daily expenses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$80,875
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$45,182
After adjusting for San Francisco's cost of living index of 179, a CDL-A salary of $80,875 provides the same purchasing power as $45,182 in an average-cost area. The higher nominal salary is partially offset by higher local expenses.
San Francisco vs California vs National Average
| Metric | San Francisco | CA Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $80,875 | $72,500 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$8,375 | ||
| vs National | +$22,165 | ||
| Cost of Living | 179 | 142 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $45,182 | $51,056 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in San Francisco
Truck driver wages in San Francisco are trending upward, driven by growth in technology hardware and port operations (oakland). E-commerce fulfillment expansion and a persistent driver shortage in the California market continue to push pay higher.
Top Paying Companies in San Francisco
These carriers and logistics companies offer some of the highest truck driver pay in the San Francisco area.
| Company | Avg Annual Pay |
|---|---|
| 1Saia Inc. | $78,086 |
| 2Knight-Swift | $75,855 |
| 3Covenant Transport | $73,624 |
| 4CRST International | $71,393 |
Industries Driving Trucking Demand in San Francisco
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the San Francisco market.
Find Trucking Jobs in San Francisco
Browse CDL driver positions in San Francisco, CA from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in San Francisco
What is the average truck driver salary in San Francisco, CA?
CDL-A truck drivers in San Francisco, California earn an average of $80,875 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The San Francisco market is influenced by technology hardware and port operations (oakland) freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in San Francisco?
Owner-operators based in San Francisco gross approximately $242,625 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $92,198 to $116,460. The San Francisco area's cost of living index of 179 is above the national average by 79%.
Is San Francisco a good city for trucking jobs?
San Francisco offers strong trucking employment thanks to its technology hardware and port operations (oakland) 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.