Truck Driver Salary in Virginia
Complete 2026 salary data for CDL and non-CDL truck drivers in Virginia. Compare pay by license type, see cost of living adjustments, and find the highest-paying cities.
CDL-A Avg
$59,800
CDL-B Avg
$48,200
Non-CDL Avg
$41,000
Owner-Op Gross
$215,000
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Virginia truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Virginia
Virginia's cost of living is 3% above the national average. Factor this into salary comparisons with lower-cost states.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$59,800
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$58,058
After adjusting for Virginia's cost of living index of 103, a CDL-A salary of $59,800 provides the same purchasing power as $58,058 in an average-cost area. This means the higher nominal salary is partially offset by higher expenses.
Top Paying Cities in Virginia
These cities offer the highest average truck driver salaries in Virginia based on freight volume, distribution center density, and local demand.
Salary Trend in Virginia
Virginia trucking pay is rising as the Port of Virginia (Norfolk) expands to become the deepest port on the East Coast, and Northern Virginia data center construction creates specialized hauling demand.
Virginia vs National Average
| Category | VA | National | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $59,800 | $58,710 | +$1,090 |
| Cost of Living | 103 | 100 | +3 |
| Adjusted Pay | $58,058 | $58,710 | $-652 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Virginia
What do truck drivers earn in Virginia?
Virginia CDL-A drivers average $59,800. Norfolk drivers earn the most ($64,200) thanks to the Port of Virginia's growing container operations and military logistics for the Norfolk Naval Base.
How does the Port of Virginia affect trucking?
The Port of Virginia is investing billions in expansion to handle the largest container ships. This creates growing demand for port drayage drivers, with competitive pay and steady year-round work in the Hampton Roads area.
What are Virginia's trucking regions?
Virginia has distinct trucking markets: Northern VA (government/data center logistics), Hampton Roads (port/military), Richmond (distribution hub at I-95/I-64 junction), and the Shenandoah Valley (agricultural/I-81 corridor).