Truck Driver Salary in Cincinnati
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Cincinnati, Ohio. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$67,939
CDL-B Avg
$52,080
Non-CDL Avg
$49,538
Owner-Op Gross
$224,000
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Cincinnati truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Cincinnati
Cincinnati'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
$67,939
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$74,658
After adjusting for Cincinnati's cost of living index of 91, a CDL-A salary of $67,939 provides the same purchasing power as $74,658 in an average-cost area. Your money goes further in Cincinnati than the raw salary suggests.
Cincinnati vs Ohio vs National Average
| Metric | Cincinnati | OH Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $67,939 | $60,660 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$7,279 | ||
| vs National | +$9,229 | ||
| Cost of Living | 91 | 90 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $74,658 | $67,400 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Cincinnati
Truck driver wages in Cincinnati are trending upward, driven by growth in e-commerce & air freight and consumer products (p&g). E-commerce fulfillment expansion and high turnover across the Ohio market continue to push pay higher.
Which carriers run freight through Cincinnati?
These are large carriers with a real presence in the region. We do not publish what any of them pays in Cincinnati — that is a number only the carrier and the driver know, and it moves with the account, the lane and your record.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.
- Schneider National
- J.B. Hunt
- TMC Transportation
- Crete Carrier
Read our carrier profiles for pay structure, home time and equipment on each one.
Industries Driving Trucking Demand in Cincinnati
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Cincinnati market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Cincinnati
Browse CDL driver positions in Cincinnati, OH from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Cincinnati
What is the average truck driver salary in Cincinnati, OH?
CDL-A truck drivers in Cincinnati, Ohio earn an average of $67,939 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Cincinnati market is influenced by e-commerce & air freight and consumer products (p&g) freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Cincinnati?
Owner-operators based in Cincinnati gross approximately $224,000 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $85,120 to $107,520. The Cincinnati area's cost of living index of 91 is below the national average by 9%.
Is Cincinnati a good city for trucking jobs?
Cincinnati offers strong trucking employment thanks to its e-commerce & air freight and consumer products (p&g) 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.