Truck Driver Salary in Syracuse
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Syracuse, New York. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$68,411
CDL-B Avg
$56,368
Non-CDL Avg
$52,343
Owner-Op Gross
$265,200
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Syracuse truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Syracuse
Syracuse's cost of living is 9% below the national average. Your trucking salary stretches further here than in most cities.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$68,411
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$75,177
After adjusting for Syracuse's cost of living index of 91, a CDL-A salary of $68,411 provides the same purchasing power as $75,177 in an average-cost area. Your money goes further in Syracuse than the raw salary suggests.
Syracuse vs New York vs National Average
| Metric | Syracuse | NY Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $68,411 | $65,780 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$2,631 | ||
| vs National | +$9,701 | ||
| Cost of Living | 91 | 122 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $75,177 | $53,918 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Syracuse
Trucking pay in Syracuse has remained steady, supported by consistent freight demand from technology (micron fab) and higher education. The New York market offers reliable work with predictable earnings for CDL drivers.
Which carriers run freight through Syracuse?
These are large carriers with a real presence in the region. We do not publish what any of them pays in Syracuse — that is a number only the carrier and the driver know, and it moves with the account, the lane and your record.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 Syracuse
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Syracuse market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Syracuse
Browse CDL driver positions in Syracuse, NY from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Syracuse
What is the average truck driver salary in Syracuse, NY?
CDL-A truck drivers in Syracuse, New York earn an average of $68,411 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Syracuse market is influenced by technology (micron fab) and higher education freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Syracuse?
Owner-operators based in Syracuse gross approximately $265,200 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $100,776 to $127,296. The Syracuse area's cost of living index of 91 is below the national average by 9%.
Is Syracuse a good city for trucking jobs?
Syracuse offers strong trucking employment thanks to its technology (micron fab) and higher education sectors. The city's cost of living is below 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.