Truck Driver Salary in Rhode Island
Complete 2026 salary data for CDL and non-CDL truck drivers in Rhode Island. Compare pay by license type, see cost of living adjustments, and find the highest-paying cities.
CDL-A Avg
$57,200
CDL-B Avg
$46,200
Non-CDL Avg
$39,800
Owner-Op Gross
$195,000
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Rhode Island truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Rhode Island
Rhode Island's cost of living is 8% above the national average. Factor this into salary comparisons with lower-cost states.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$57,200
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$52,963
After adjusting for Rhode Island's cost of living index of 108, a CDL-A salary of $57,200 provides the same purchasing power as $52,963 in an average-cost area. This means the higher nominal salary is partially offset by higher expenses.
Top Paying Cities in Rhode Island
These cities offer the highest average truck driver salaries in Rhode Island based on freight volume, distribution center density, and local demand.
Salary Trend in Rhode Island
Rhode Island's tiny size limits trucking opportunities, but its position between Boston and New York on I-95 and the Port of Providence create steady local and regional demand.
Rhode Island vs National Average
| Category | RI | National | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $57,200 | $58,710 | $-1,510 |
| Cost of Living | 108 | 100 | +8 |
| Adjusted Pay | $52,963 | $58,710 | $-5,747 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Rhode Island
What do truckers earn in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island CDL-A drivers average $57,200. The small state favors local delivery runs, with most drivers based in the Providence metro area earning around $60,400.
What kind of trucking work is available in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island trucking is primarily local and regional: LTL delivery, food distribution, heating oil delivery, and Port of Providence freight. Many RI drivers run routes into Massachusetts and Connecticut daily.
Is Rhode Island too small for a trucking career?
Rhode Island's size means limited in-state miles, but its I-95 location between Boston and NYC makes it a great base for regional drivers. Many carriers based in RI service all of New England.