Truck Driver Salary in Dover
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Dover, Delaware. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$55,085
CDL-B Avg
$46,272
Non-CDL Avg
$44,621
Owner-Op Gross
$196,800
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Dover truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Dover
Dover's cost of living is near the national average, offering a balanced ratio of salary to expenses for truck drivers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$55,085
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$55,641
After adjusting for Dover's cost of living index of 99, a CDL-A salary of $55,085 provides the same purchasing power as $55,641 in an average-cost area. Your money goes further in Dover than the raw salary suggests.
Dover vs Delaware vs National Average
| Metric | Dover | DE Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $55,085 | $57,380 | $58,710 |
| vs State | $-2,295 | ||
| vs National | $-3,625 | ||
| Cost of Living | 99 | 104 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $55,641 | $55,173 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Dover
Trucking pay in Dover has remained steady, supported by consistent freight demand from military (dover afb) and poultry processing. The Delaware market offers reliable work with predictable earnings for CDL drivers.
Which carriers run freight through Dover?
These are large carriers with a real presence in the region. We do not publish what any of them pays in Dover — that is a number only the carrier and the driver know, and it moves with the account, the lane and your record.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.
- Saia Inc.
- Old Dominion
- Estes Express
- XPO Logistics
Read our carrier profiles for pay structure, home time and equipment on each one.
Industries Driving Trucking Demand in Dover
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Dover market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Dover
Browse CDL driver positions in Dover, DE from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Dover
What is the average truck driver salary in Dover, DE?
CDL-A truck drivers in Dover, Delaware earn an average of $55,085 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Dover market is influenced by military (dover afb) and poultry processing freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Dover?
Owner-operators based in Dover gross approximately $196,800 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $74,784 to $94,464. The Dover area's cost of living index of 99 is near the national average.
Is Dover a good city for trucking jobs?
Dover offers strong trucking employment thanks to its military (dover afb) and poultry processing sectors. The city's cost of living is near 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.