Truck Driver Salary in Birmingham
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Birmingham, Alabama. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$60,728
CDL-B Avg
$45,900
Non-CDL Avg
$47,444
Owner-Op Gross
$189,000
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Birmingham truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Birmingham
Birmingham's cost of living is 12% below the national average. Your trucking salary stretches further here than in most cities.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$60,728
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$69,009
After adjusting for Birmingham's cost of living index of 88, a CDL-A salary of $60,728 provides the same purchasing power as $69,009 in an average-cost area. Your money goes further in Birmingham than the raw salary suggests.
Birmingham vs Alabama vs National Average
| Metric | Birmingham | AL Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $60,728 | $56,230 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$4,498 | ||
| vs National | +$2,018 | ||
| Cost of Living | 88 | 89 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $69,009 | $63,180 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Birmingham
Truck driver wages in Birmingham are trending upward, driven by growth in automotive manufacturing and steel & metals. E-commerce fulfillment expansion and high turnover across the Alabama market continue to push pay higher.
Which carriers run freight through Birmingham?
These are large carriers with a real presence in the region. We do not publish what any of them pays in Birmingham — that is a number only the carrier and the driver know, and it moves with the account, the lane and your record. Ask for it in cents per mile alongside the expected weekly miles.
- Werner Enterprises
- Heartland Express
- USA Truck
- Averitt Express
Read our carrier profiles for pay structure, home time and equipment on each one.
Industries Driving Trucking Demand in Birmingham
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Birmingham market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Birmingham
Browse CDL driver positions in Birmingham, AL from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Birmingham
What is the average truck driver salary in Birmingham, AL?
CDL-A truck drivers in Birmingham, Alabama earn an average of $60,728 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Birmingham market is influenced by automotive manufacturing and steel & metals freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Birmingham?
Owner-operators based in Birmingham gross approximately $189,000 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $71,820 to $90,720. The Birmingham area's cost of living index of 88 is below the national average by 12%.
Is Birmingham a good city for trucking jobs?
Birmingham offers strong trucking employment thanks to its automotive manufacturing and steel & metals sectors. The city's cost of living is below the national average, which means your paycheck goes further here than in many metros. CDL drivers with hazmat or tanker endorsements can earn 10-20% above the city average.