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Providence, RI

Truck Driver Salary in Providence

2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Providence, Rhode Island. Compare local pay to state and national averages.

CDL-A Avg

$64,433

CDL-B Avg

$49,896

Non-CDL Avg

$53,546

Owner-Op Gross

$210,600

Salary Comparison by License Type

How Providence truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.

CDL-A
$64,433
CDL-B
$49,896
Non-CDL
$53,546
Owner-Op (Gross)
$210,600

Cost of Living in Providence

Cost of Living Index112
Low (75)National Avg (100)High (200)

Providence's cost of living is 12% above the national average. Higher pay partially offsets increased housing and daily expenses.

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay

Nominal CDL-A Salary

$64,433

Adjusted Purchasing Power

$57,529

After adjusting for Providence's cost of living index of 112, a CDL-A salary of $64,433 provides the same purchasing power as $57,529 in an average-cost area. The higher nominal salary is partially offset by higher local expenses.

Providence vs Rhode Island vs National Average

MetricProvidenceRI AvgNational
CDL-A Average$64,433$59,660$58,710
vs State+$4,773
vs National+$5,723
Cost of Living112108100
Adjusted Purchasing Power$57,529$55,241$58,710

Salary Trend in Providence

Rising

Truck driver wages in Providence are trending upward, driven by growth in jewelry & costume manufacturing and healthcare. E-commerce fulfillment expansion and high turnover across the Rhode Island market continue to push pay higher.

Which carriers run freight through Providence?

These are large carriers with a real presence in the region. We do not publish what any of them pays in Providence — that is a number only the carrier and the driver know, and it moves with the account, the lane and your record.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 Providence

These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Providence market.

1
Jewelry & Costume Manufacturing
2
Healthcare
3
Higher Education
4
Automotive Import
5
Defense (Naval Station Newport)

Find Trucking Jobs in Providence

Browse CDL driver positions in Providence, RI from top carriers and local companies.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Providence

What is the average truck driver salary in Providence, RI?

CDL-A truck drivers in Providence, Rhode Island earn an average of $64,433 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Providence market is influenced by jewelry & costume manufacturing and healthcare freight demand.

How much do owner-operators make in Providence?

Owner-operators based in Providence gross approximately $210,600 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $80,028 to $101,088. The Providence area's cost of living index of 112 is above the national average by 12%.

Is Providence a good city for trucking jobs?

Providence offers strong trucking employment thanks to its jewelry & costume manufacturing and healthcare 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.