Truck Driver Salary in Seattle
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Seattle, Washington. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$70,098
CDL-B Avg
$56,078
Non-CDL Avg
$42,760
Owner-Op Gross
$189,265
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Seattle truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Seattle
Seattle's cost of living is 58% above the national average. Higher pay partially offsets increased housing and daily expenses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$70,098
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$44,366
After adjusting for Seattle's cost of living index of 158, a CDL-A salary of $70,098 provides the same purchasing power as $44,366 in an average-cost area. The higher nominal salary is partially offset by higher local expenses.
Seattle vs Washington vs National Average
| Metric | Seattle | WA Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $70,098 | $62,400 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$7,698 | ||
| vs National | +$11,388 | ||
| Cost of Living | 158 | 115 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $44,366 | $54,261 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Seattle
Truck driver wages in Seattle are trending upward, driven by growth in port operations & asian trade and aerospace (boeing). E-commerce fulfillment expansion and a persistent driver shortage in the Washington market continue to push pay higher.
Top Paying Companies in Seattle
These carriers and logistics companies offer some of the highest truck driver pay in the Seattle area.
| Company | Avg Annual Pay |
|---|---|
| 1Saia Inc. | $78,635 |
| 2Knight-Swift | $76,388 |
| 3NFI Industries | $73,018 |
| 4CRST International | $71,895 |
Industries Driving Trucking Demand in Seattle
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Seattle market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Seattle
Browse CDL driver positions in Seattle, WA from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Seattle
What is the average truck driver salary in Seattle, WA?
CDL-A truck drivers in Seattle, Washington earn an average of $70,098 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Seattle market is influenced by port operations & asian trade and aerospace (boeing) freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Seattle?
Owner-operators based in Seattle gross approximately $189,265 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $71,921 to $90,847. The Seattle area's cost of living index of 158 is above the national average by 58%.
Is Seattle a good city for trucking jobs?
Seattle offers strong trucking employment thanks to its port operations & asian trade and aerospace (boeing) 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.