Truck Driver Salary in Denver
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Denver, Colorado. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$71,288
CDL-B Avg
$54,320
Non-CDL Avg
$58,542
Owner-Op Gross
$240,800
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Denver truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Denver
Denver's cost of living is 12% above the national average. Higher pay partially offsets increased housing and daily expenses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$71,288
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$63,650
After adjusting for Denver's cost of living index of 112, a CDL-A salary of $71,288 provides the same purchasing power as $63,650 in an average-cost area. The higher nominal salary is partially offset by higher local expenses.
Denver vs Colorado vs National Average
| Metric | Denver | CO Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $71,288 | $63,650 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$7,638 | ||
| vs National | +$12,578 | ||
| Cost of Living | 112 | 105 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $63,650 | $60,619 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Denver
Truck driver wages in Denver are trending upward, driven by growth in cannabis & hemp and outdoor recreation equipment. E-commerce fulfillment expansion and high turnover across the Colorado market continue to push pay higher.
Which carriers run freight through Denver?
These are large carriers with a real presence in the region. We do not publish what any of them pays in Denver — that is a number only the carrier and the driver know, and it moves with the account, the lane and your record.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 Denver
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Denver market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Denver
Browse CDL driver positions in Denver, CO from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Denver
What is the average truck driver salary in Denver, CO?
CDL-A truck drivers in Denver, Colorado earn an average of $71,288 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Denver market is influenced by cannabis & hemp and outdoor recreation equipment freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Denver?
Owner-operators based in Denver gross approximately $240,800 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $91,504 to $115,584. The Denver area's cost of living index of 112 is above the national average by 12%.
Is Denver a good city for trucking jobs?
Denver offers strong trucking employment thanks to its cannabis & hemp and outdoor recreation equipment 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.