Truck Driver Salary in North Dakota
Complete 2026 salary data for CDL and non-CDL truck drivers in North Dakota. Compare pay by license type, see cost of living adjustments, and find the highest-paying cities.
CDL-A Avg
$57,200
CDL-B Avg
$46,000
Non-CDL Avg
$39,200
Owner-Op Gross
$210,000
Salary Comparison by License Type
How North Dakota truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in North Dakota
North Dakota's cost of living is 8% below the national average. Your salary stretches further here than in most states.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$57,200
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$62,174
After adjusting for North Dakota's cost of living index of 92, a CDL-A salary of $57,200 provides the same purchasing power as $62,174 in an average-cost area. This means your money goes further in North Dakota than the raw salary suggests.
Top Paying Cities in North Dakota
These cities offer the highest average truck driver salaries in North Dakota based on freight volume, distribution center density, and local demand.
Salary Trend in North Dakota
North Dakota wages remain elevated compared to the state's low cost of living, driven by Bakken oil field hauling in western ND. Williston-area drivers earn significant premiums for energy sector work.
North Dakota vs National Average
| Category | ND | National | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $57,200 | $58,710 | $-1,510 |
| Cost of Living | 92 | 100 | -8 |
| Adjusted Pay | $62,174 | $58,710 | +$3,464 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in North Dakota
What do truck drivers earn in North Dakota?
North Dakota CDL-A drivers average $57,200, but oil field drivers in Williston earn up to $68,400. The 92% cost of living index gives the state excellent purchasing power.
How does the Bakken oil field affect ND trucking?
The Bakken formation drives significant demand for water haulers, frac sand transporters, equipment movers, and crude oil tanker drivers. These specialized roles pay $60,000-$85,000 but involve harsh conditions.
Is North Dakota trucking seasonal?
Somewhat. Winter temperatures dropping to -40F create extreme driving conditions, but oil field work continues year-round. Agricultural hauling (wheat, sunflowers, sugar beets) peaks in fall harvest season.