Truck Driver Salary in Newark
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Newark, New Jersey. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$76,155
CDL-B Avg
$56,355
Non-CDL Avg
$45,693
Owner-Op Gross
$205,619
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Newark truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Newark
Newark's cost of living is 25% above the national average. Higher pay partially offsets increased housing and daily expenses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$76,155
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$60,924
After adjusting for Newark's cost of living index of 125, a CDL-A salary of $76,155 provides the same purchasing power as $60,924 in an average-cost area. The higher nominal salary is partially offset by higher local expenses.
Newark vs New Jersey vs National Average
| Metric | Newark | NJ Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $76,155 | $68,200 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$7,955 | ||
| vs National | +$17,445 | ||
| Cost of Living | 125 | 120 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $60,924 | $56,833 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Newark
Truck driver wages in Newark are trending upward, driven by growth in port drayage & container shipping and pharmaceutical distribution. E-commerce fulfillment expansion and a persistent driver shortage in the New Jersey market continue to push pay higher.
Top Paying Companies in Newark
These carriers and logistics companies offer some of the highest truck driver pay in the Newark area.
| Company | Avg Annual Pay |
|---|---|
| 1Old Dominion | $83,748 |
| 2XPO Logistics | $79,281 |
| 3Estes Express | $78,165 |
| 4ABF Freight | $77,048 |
Industries Driving Trucking Demand in Newark
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Newark market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Newark
Browse CDL driver positions in Newark, NJ from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Newark
What is the average truck driver salary in Newark, NJ?
CDL-A truck drivers in Newark, New Jersey earn an average of $76,155 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Newark market is influenced by port drayage & container shipping and pharmaceutical distribution freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Newark?
Owner-operators based in Newark gross approximately $205,619 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $78,135 to $98,697. The Newark area's cost of living index of 125 is above the national average by 25%.
Is Newark a good city for trucking jobs?
Newark offers strong trucking employment thanks to its port drayage & container shipping and pharmaceutical distribution 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.