Truck Driver Salary in Tucson
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Tucson, Arizona. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$63,580
CDL-B Avg
$50,544
Non-CDL Avg
$54,972
Owner-Op Gross
$226,800
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Tucson truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Tucson
Tucson's cost of living is 6% below the national average. Your trucking salary stretches further here than in most cities.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$63,580
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$67,638
After adjusting for Tucson's cost of living index of 94, a CDL-A salary of $63,580 provides the same purchasing power as $67,638 in an average-cost area. Your money goes further in Tucson than the raw salary suggests.
Tucson vs Arizona vs National Average
| Metric | Tucson | AZ Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $63,580 | $58,870 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$4,710 | ||
| vs National | +$4,870 | ||
| Cost of Living | 94 | 103 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $67,638 | $57,155 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Tucson
Truck driver wages in Tucson are trending upward, driven by growth in aerospace & defense and cross-border trade (nogales). E-commerce fulfillment expansion and high turnover across the Arizona market continue to push pay higher.
Which carriers run freight through Tucson?
These are large carriers with a real presence in the region. We do not publish what any of them pays in Tucson — that is a number only the carrier and the driver know, and it moves with the account, the lane and your record.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
- Prime Inc.
- Ryder
- Knight-Swift
Read our carrier profiles for pay structure, home time and equipment on each one.
Industries Driving Trucking Demand in Tucson
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Tucson market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Tucson
Browse CDL driver positions in Tucson, AZ from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Tucson
What is the average truck driver salary in Tucson, AZ?
CDL-A truck drivers in Tucson, Arizona earn an average of $63,580 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Tucson market is influenced by aerospace & defense and cross-border trade (nogales) freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Tucson?
Owner-operators based in Tucson gross approximately $226,800 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $86,184 to $108,864. The Tucson area's cost of living index of 94 is below the national average by 6%.
Is Tucson a good city for trucking jobs?
Tucson offers strong trucking employment thanks to its aerospace & defense and cross-border trade (nogales) 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.