Truck Driver Salary in San Francisco
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in San Francisco, California. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$69,462
CDL-B Avg
$63,616
Non-CDL Avg
$59,707
Owner-Op Gross
$347,200
Salary Comparison by License Type
How San Francisco truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in San Francisco
San Francisco's cost of living is 79% above the national average. Higher pay partially offsets increased housing and daily expenses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$69,462
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$38,806
After adjusting for San Francisco's cost of living index of 179, a CDL-A salary of $69,462 provides the same purchasing power as $38,806 in an average-cost area. The higher nominal salary is partially offset by higher local expenses.
San Francisco vs California vs National Average
| Metric | San Francisco | CA Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $69,462 | $62,020 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$7,442 | ||
| vs National | +$10,752 | ||
| Cost of Living | 179 | 142 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $38,806 | $43,676 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in San Francisco
Truck driver wages in San Francisco are trending upward, driven by growth in technology hardware and port operations (oakland). E-commerce fulfillment expansion and high turnover across the California market continue to push pay higher.
Which carriers run freight through San Francisco?
These are large carriers with a real presence in the region. We do not publish what any of them pays in San Francisco — that is a number only the carrier and the driver know, and it moves with the account, the lane and your record.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 San Francisco
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the San Francisco market.
Find Trucking Jobs in San Francisco
Browse CDL driver positions in San Francisco, CA from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in San Francisco
What is the average truck driver salary in San Francisco, CA?
CDL-A truck drivers in San Francisco, California earn an average of $69,462 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The San Francisco market is influenced by technology hardware and port operations (oakland) freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in San Francisco?
Owner-operators based in San Francisco gross approximately $347,200 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $131,936 to $166,656. The San Francisco area's cost of living index of 179 is above the national average by 79%.
Is San Francisco a good city for trucking jobs?
San Francisco offers strong trucking employment thanks to its technology hardware and port operations (oakland) 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.