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Yakima, WA

Truck Driver Salary in Yakima

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

CDL-A Avg

$68,230

CDL-B Avg

$50,200

Non-CDL Avg

$53,520

Owner-Op Gross

$225,000

Salary Comparison by License Type

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

CDL-A
$68,230
CDL-B
$50,200
Non-CDL
$53,520
Owner-Op (Gross)
$225,000

Cost of Living in Yakima

Cost of Living Index115
Low (75)National Avg (100)High (200)

Yakima's cost of living is 15% above the national average. Higher pay partially offsets increased housing and daily expenses.

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay

Nominal CDL-A Salary

$68,230

Adjusted Purchasing Power

$59,330

After adjusting for Yakima's cost of living index of 115, a CDL-A salary of $68,230 provides the same purchasing power as $59,330 in an average-cost area. The higher nominal salary is partially offset by higher local expenses.

Yakima vs Washington vs National Average

MetricYakimaWA AvgNational
CDL-A Average$68,230$68,230$58,710
vs State+$0
vs National+$9,520
Cost of Living115115100
Adjusted Purchasing Power$59,330$59,330$58,710

Salary Trend in Yakima

Stable

Trucking pay in Yakima has remained steady, supported by consistent freight demand from agriculture (apples, hops, wine) and food processing. The Washington market offers reliable work with predictable earnings for CDL drivers.

Which carriers run freight through Yakima?

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 We do not publish what any of them pays in Yakima — that is a number only the carrier and the driver know, and it moves with the account, the lane and your record.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

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

1
Agriculture (Apples, Hops, Wine)
2
Food Processing
3
Dairy
4
Timber
5
Healthcare

Find Trucking Jobs in Yakima

Browse CDL driver positions in Yakima, WA from top carriers and local companies.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Yakima

What is the average truck driver salary in Yakima, WA?

CDL-A truck drivers in Yakima, Washington earn an average of $68,230 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Yakima market is influenced by agriculture (apples, hops, wine) and food processing freight demand.

How much do owner-operators make in Yakima?

Owner-operators based in Yakima gross approximately $225,000 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $85,500 to $108,000. The Yakima area's cost of living index of 115 is above the national average by 15%.

Is Yakima a good city for trucking jobs?

Yakima offers strong trucking employment thanks to its agriculture (apples, hops, wine) and food processing 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.