Truck Driver Salary in New Jersey 2026
The average truck driver salary in New Jersey is $1,879 per week as of 2026 — that's approximately $97,700 annually (or about $47.00 per hour) for qualified CDL drivers.
Truck driver salary in New Jersey, 2026
How much does a Truck Driver make in New Jersey?
New Jersey Salary Snapshot
New Jersey Truck Driver Pay at a Glance
Real wage data for New Jersey pulled together in one clear view, so you know exactly what to expect before you get behind the wheel. From entry-level to top earners, wages span $95.0k – $101.9k annually
$97,708
Average Annual Salary
$1,879
Average Weekly Pay
$46.98
Average Hourly Pay
$101.9k
Top Earners (High Range)
New Jersey Salary by City
Truck Driver Salary in New Jersey Cities
Pay varies across the Garden State. Compare average earnings in New Jersey's top cities to find where your driving career pays the most – based on regional market trends, port activity, and proximity to major metropolitan freight corridors.
Newark
$101,800/yr
Jersey City
$100,500/yr
Elizabeth
$99,200/yr
Trenton
$97,700/yr
Paterson
$96,200/yr
Edison
$95,500/yr
Pay by Role
New Jersey Salary by Driver Type
Earnings shift depending on the type of driving you do. Compare New Jersey‑specific role averages to find the route that fits your income goals and lifestyle.
OTR Driver
$104,500/yr avg
Long-haul routes across multiple states, offering the highest earning potential in trucking.
View JobsRegional Driver
$98,600/yr avg
Multi-state routes within a defined region, balancing solid pay with more time at home.
View JobsLocal Driver
$89,000/yr avg
Short daily routes within a city or nearby area, ideal for drivers who want to be home every night.
View JobsDedicated Driver
$102,700/yr avg
Consistent routes for a single client, delivering predictable schedules and reliable income.
View JobsFlatbed Driver
$107,400/yr avg
Hauls oversized and open‑deck freight, commanding premium pay for specialized skill.
View JobsHazmat Driver
$120,300/yr avg
Transports hazardous materials and earns the highest average pay for certified specialists.
View JobsWhat Affects Truck Driver Salary in New Jersey?
Truck driver pay isn't determined by a single factor. This dashboard highlights the key elements that influence earnings in New Jersey and shows where drivers can maximize their income.
Solid Earnings in New Jersey
New Jersey truck drivers earn an average of $1,879 per week ($97,708/year), which is above the national average. Drivers with endorsements, dedicated routes, and strong safety records still have the opportunity to earn at the top of the range up to $101,900 annually. These figures are based on 14,100 real Indeed salaries.
Experience
18%Route Type
24%CDL Endorsements
31%Miles Driven
21%Company
16%Driving Record
27%Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about truck driver pay in New Jersey, answered in plain terms — based on real Indeed data.
What is the average truck driver salary in New Jersey?
The average truck driver in New Jersey earns around $97,708 per year, which breaks down to roughly $1,879 per week or ~$46.98 per hour (based on a 40-hour week). Pay varies based on route type, experience, and the company you drive for. New Jersey salaries are above the national average, and drivers with specialized endorsements can earn well over the average — with top earners reaching up to $101,900 annually.
Which New Jersey city pays truck drivers the most?
Newark ($101,800/year) leads the state as home to the busiest seaport on the East Coast (Port Newark–Elizabeth) and a massive logistics hub on the NJ Turnpike (I‑95) and I‑78, followed by Jersey City ($100,500) — a major freight gateway with direct NYC access via I‑78 and the NJ Turnpike interchange — and Elizabeth ($99,200), which hosts the marine terminal and surrounding distribution centers. Trenton ($97,700) aligns closely with the state average, while Paterson ($96,200) and Edison ($95,500) trend slightly below. The highest‑paying companies in New Jersey specialize in dedicated OTR routes, port drayage, flatbed freight serving manufacturing and warehousing, and hazmat transport — especially around the Newark, Jersey City, and Elizabeth areas and along the NJ Turnpike (I‑95), I‑78, I‑80, I‑287, and I‑295 freight corridors.
Do local drivers make more than OTR drivers?
Generally no. OTR drivers tend to earn more overall because of higher mileage and longer routes, while local drivers trade some income for the benefit of being home every day. In New Jersey, specialized OTR routes — especially those connecting the Port Newark–Elizabeth marine terminal, Jersey City logistics hubs, and Trenton distribution corridors to the broader Northeastern markets and beyond — can significantly boost earnings well beyond the state average.
Does experience affect truck driver salary?
Yes, significantly. Drivers with several years of clean‑record experience often qualify for premium routes and specialized freight, which can raise annual pay well above the $97,708 New Jersey average. Top earners in New Jersey can make up to $101,900 per year.
How can truck drivers earn more in New Jersey?
Adding CDL endorsements (hazmat, tanker, doubles/triples), taking on flatbed or specialized freight, driving more miles, and maintaining a clean safety record are the fastest ways to increase earnings. Top New Jersey companies offer salaries well above the state average for experienced drivers with the right credentials, especially in key logistics hubs like the Port Newark–Elizabeth marine terminal, Jersey City and Newark distribution corridors, and Trenton logistics centers along the New Jersey Turnpike (I‑95), I‑78 (connecting to NYC and Philadelphia), I‑80 (transcontinental route), and I‑287/295 that link the Garden State to major East Coast markets. New Jersey's massive warehousing and distribution industry, pharmaceutical logistics, manufacturing, and proximity to NYC and Philadelphia create steady demand for specialized freight haulers, and the state's position as the densest freight corridor in the Northeast provides unique opportunities for port drayage, regional delivery, and long‑haul freight.
Are CDL endorsements worth it?
In most cases, yes. Endorsements like hazmat or tanker require extra testing but open access to specialized freight that pays noticeably more than standard routes. In New Jersey, hazmat drivers can earn well above the state average of $97,708, with top earners reaching up to $101,900 annually — especially those servicing the state's massive warehousing, pharmaceutical logistics, and port‑related industries in hubs like Newark, Elizabeth, Jersey City, and Edison, plus the growing distribution networks along the NJ Turnpike (I‑95), I‑78, and I‑80 corridors that connect New Jersey to the greater Northeastern and Mid‑Atlantic markets.
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