Truck Driver Salary in Fresno
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Fresno, California. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$66,982
CDL-B Avg
$61,344
Non-CDL Avg
$57,575
Owner-Op Gross
$334,800
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Fresno truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Fresno
Fresno's cost of living is 8% above the national average. Higher pay partially offsets increased housing and daily expenses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$66,982
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$62,020
After adjusting for Fresno's cost of living index of 108, a CDL-A salary of $66,982 provides the same purchasing power as $62,020 in an average-cost area. The higher nominal salary is partially offset by higher local expenses.
Fresno vs California vs National Average
| Metric | Fresno | CA Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $66,982 | $62,020 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$4,962 | ||
| vs National | +$8,272 | ||
| Cost of Living | 108 | 142 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $62,020 | $43,676 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Fresno
Truck driver wages in Fresno are trending upward, driven by growth in agriculture & produce and food processing. E-commerce fulfillment expansion and high turnover across the California market continue to push pay higher.
Which carriers run freight through Fresno?
These are large carriers with a real presence in the region. We do not publish what any of them pays in Fresno — that is a number only the carrier and the driver know, and it moves with the account, the lane and your record.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.
- CRST International
- Knight-Swift
- Saia Inc.
- Covenant Transport
Read our carrier profiles for pay structure, home time and equipment on each one.
Industries Driving Trucking Demand in Fresno
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Fresno market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Fresno
Browse CDL driver positions in Fresno, CA from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Fresno
What is the average truck driver salary in Fresno, CA?
CDL-A truck drivers in Fresno, California earn an average of $66,982 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Fresno market is influenced by agriculture & produce and food processing freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Fresno?
Owner-operators based in Fresno gross approximately $334,800 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $127,224 to $160,704. The Fresno area's cost of living index of 108 is above the national average by 8%.
Is Fresno a good city for trucking jobs?
Fresno offers strong trucking employment thanks to its agriculture & produce and food processing 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.