Truck Driver Salary in Washington
Complete 2026 salary data for CDL and non-CDL truck drivers in Washington. Compare pay by license type, see cost of living adjustments, and find the highest-paying cities.
CDL-A Avg
$62,400
CDL-B Avg
$50,200
Non-CDL Avg
$42,500
Owner-Op Gross
$225,000
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Washington truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Washington
Washington's cost of living is 15% above the national average. Factor this into salary comparisons with lower-cost states.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$62,400
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$54,261
After adjusting for Washington's cost of living index of 115, a CDL-A salary of $62,400 provides the same purchasing power as $54,261 in an average-cost area. This means the higher nominal salary is partially offset by higher expenses.
Top Paying Cities in Washington
These cities offer the highest average truck driver salaries in Washington based on freight volume, distribution center density, and local demand.
Salary Trend in Washington
Washington trucking wages are rising, driven by Port of Tacoma/Seattle activity, Amazon headquarters logistics, and strong apple and cherry agricultural hauling from the eastern part of the state.
Washington vs National Average
| Category | WA | National | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $62,400 | $58,710 | +$3,690 |
| Cost of Living | 115 | 100 | +15 |
| Adjusted Pay | $54,261 | $58,710 | $-4,449 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Washington
What is the average truck driver salary in Washington?
Washington CDL-A drivers average $62,400 with no state income tax. Seattle-area drivers earn up to $68,800, among the highest in the Pacific Northwest.
How does no state income tax benefit WA truckers?
Washington's lack of state income tax means drivers keep 5-9% more of their earnings compared to Oregon or California. Combined with strong port freight, this makes Washington attractive for trucking careers.
What freight is common in Washington state?
Port of Tacoma/Seattle container freight, Boeing aerospace parts, Amazon e-commerce logistics, apples and cherries from Yakima and Wenatchee, lumber from the Cascades, and wheat from the Palouse region.