Truck Driver Salary in Los Angeles
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Los Angeles, California. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$73,184
CDL-B Avg
$67,024
Non-CDL Avg
$62,906
Owner-Op Gross
$365,800
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Los Angeles truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Los Angeles
Los Angeles's cost of living is 66% above the national average. Higher pay partially offsets increased housing and daily expenses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$73,184
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$44,087
After adjusting for Los Angeles's cost of living index of 166, a CDL-A salary of $73,184 provides the same purchasing power as $44,087 in an average-cost area. The higher nominal salary is partially offset by higher local expenses.
Los Angeles vs California vs National Average
| Metric | Los Angeles | CA Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $73,184 | $62,020 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$11,164 | ||
| vs National | +$14,474 | ||
| Cost of Living | 166 | 142 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $44,087 | $43,676 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Los Angeles
Truck driver wages in Los Angeles are trending upward, driven by growth in port drayage and intermodal container transport. E-commerce fulfillment expansion and high turnover across the California market continue to push pay higher.
Which carriers run freight through Los Angeles?
These are large carriers with a real presence in the region. We do not publish what any of them pays in Los Angeles — that is a number only the carrier and the driver know, and it moves with the account, the lane and your record.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 Los Angeles
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Los Angeles market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Los Angeles
Browse CDL driver positions in Los Angeles, CA from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Los Angeles
What is the average truck driver salary in Los Angeles, CA?
CDL-A truck drivers in Los Angeles, California earn an average of $73,184 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Los Angeles market is influenced by port drayage and intermodal container transport freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Los Angeles?
Owner-operators based in Los Angeles gross approximately $365,800 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $139,004 to $175,584. The Los Angeles area's cost of living index of 166 is above the national average by 66%.
Is Los Angeles a good city for trucking jobs?
Los Angeles offers strong trucking employment thanks to its port drayage and intermodal container transport 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.