Truck Driver Salary in Newark
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Newark, New Jersey. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$74,782
CDL-B Avg
$61,376
Non-CDL Avg
$55,787
Owner-Op Gross
$296,800
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Newark truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Newark
Newark's cost of living is 25% above the national average. Higher pay partially offsets increased housing and daily expenses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$74,782
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$59,826
After adjusting for Newark's cost of living index of 125, a CDL-A salary of $74,782 provides the same purchasing power as $59,826 in an average-cost area. The higher nominal salary is partially offset by higher local expenses.
Newark vs New Jersey vs National Average
| Metric | Newark | NJ Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $74,782 | $66,770 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$8,012 | ||
| vs National | +$16,072 | ||
| Cost of Living | 125 | 120 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $59,826 | $55,642 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Newark
Truck driver wages in Newark are trending upward, driven by growth in port drayage & container shipping and pharmaceutical distribution. E-commerce fulfillment expansion and high turnover across the New Jersey market continue to push pay higher.
Which carriers run freight through Newark?
These are large carriers with a real presence in the region. We do not publish what any of them pays in Newark — that is a number only the carrier and the driver know, and it moves with the account, the lane and your record.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 Newark
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Newark market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Newark
Browse CDL driver positions in Newark, NJ from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Newark
What is the average truck driver salary in Newark, NJ?
CDL-A truck drivers in Newark, New Jersey earn an average of $74,782 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Newark market is influenced by port drayage & container shipping and pharmaceutical distribution freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Newark?
Owner-operators based in Newark gross approximately $296,800 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $112,784 to $142,464. The Newark area's cost of living index of 125 is above the national average by 25%.
Is Newark a good city for trucking jobs?
Newark offers strong trucking employment thanks to its port drayage & container shipping and pharmaceutical distribution 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.