Truck Driver Salary in Portland
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Portland, Oregon. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$71,770
CDL-B Avg
$52,864
Non-CDL Avg
$57,613
Owner-Op Gross
$235,200
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Portland truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Portland
Portland's cost of living is 30% above the national average. Higher pay partially offsets increased housing and daily expenses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$71,770
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$55,208
After adjusting for Portland's cost of living index of 130, a CDL-A salary of $71,770 provides the same purchasing power as $55,208 in an average-cost area. The higher nominal salary is partially offset by higher local expenses.
Portland vs Oregon vs National Average
| Metric | Portland | OR Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $71,770 | $64,080 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$7,690 | ||
| vs National | +$13,060 | ||
| Cost of Living | 130 | 113 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $55,208 | $56,708 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Portland
Truck driver wages in Portland are trending upward, driven by growth in agriculture & forest products and technology (silicon forest). E-commerce fulfillment expansion and high turnover across the Oregon market continue to push pay higher.
Which carriers run freight through Portland?
These are large carriers with a real presence in the region. We do not publish what any of them pays in Portland — that is a number only the carrier and the driver know, and it moves with the account, the lane and your record.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.
- CRST International
- Knight-Swift
- Saia Inc.
- Covenant Transport
Read our carrier profiles for pay structure, home time and equipment on each one.
Industries Driving Trucking Demand in Portland
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Portland market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Portland
Browse CDL driver positions in Portland, OR from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Portland
What is the average truck driver salary in Portland, OR?
CDL-A truck drivers in Portland, Oregon earn an average of $71,770 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Portland market is influenced by agriculture & forest products and technology (silicon forest) freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Portland?
Owner-operators based in Portland gross approximately $235,200 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $89,376 to $112,896. The Portland area's cost of living index of 130 is above the national average by 30%.
Is Portland a good city for trucking jobs?
Portland offers strong trucking employment thanks to its agriculture & forest products and technology (silicon forest) 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.