Truck Driver Salary in New Jersey
Complete 2026 salary data for CDL and non-CDL truck drivers in New Jersey. Compare pay by license type, see cost of living adjustments, and find the highest-paying cities.
CDL-A Avg
$68,200
CDL-B Avg
$54,800
Non-CDL Avg
$46,200
Owner-Op Gross
$265,000
Salary Comparison by License Type
How New Jersey truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in New Jersey
New Jersey's cost of living is 20% above the national average. Factor this into salary comparisons with lower-cost states.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$68,200
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$56,833
After adjusting for New Jersey's cost of living index of 120, a CDL-A salary of $68,200 provides the same purchasing power as $56,833 in an average-cost area. This means the higher nominal salary is partially offset by higher expenses.
Top Paying Cities in New Jersey
These cities offer the highest average truck driver salaries in New Jersey based on freight volume, distribution center density, and local demand.
Salary Trend in New Jersey
New Jersey offers top-5 trucking wages nationally, driven by the Port of Newark (one of the busiest on the East Coast), massive warehouse corridors along the NJ Turnpike, and proximity to NYC.
New Jersey vs National Average
| Category | NJ | National | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $68,200 | $58,710 | +$9,490 |
| Cost of Living | 120 | 100 | +20 |
| Adjusted Pay | $56,833 | $58,710 | $-1,877 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in New Jersey
What is the average truck driver salary in New Jersey?
New Jersey CDL-A drivers average $68,200 — among the highest nationally. Port drayage drivers at Newark/Elizabeth can earn $74,000+ with the constant flow of container freight.
Why does New Jersey pay truckers so well?
The Port of Newark-Elizabeth is the busiest on the East Coast, and New Jersey's I-95/NJ Turnpike corridor contains one of the densest concentrations of warehouses in the world, creating intense driver demand.
What are the downsides of trucking in New Jersey?
Heavy congestion (especially near the George Washington Bridge and NJ Turnpike), high toll costs ($15+ for trucks on some routes), tight delivery windows, and the 120% cost of living offset some of the high wages.