Truck Driver Salary in Virginia 2026
The average truck driver salary in Virginia is $1,651 per week as of 2026 — that's $85,852 annually for qualified CDL drivers.
Truck driver salary in Virginia, 2026
How much does a Truck Driver make in Virginia?
Virginia Salary Snapshot
Virginia Truck Driver Pay at a Glance
Real wage data for Virginia pulled together in one clear view, so you know exactly what to expect before you get behind the wheel.
$85,852
Average Salary
$1,651
Average Weekly Pay
$41.28
Average Hourly Pay
$168.9k+
Top Earners
Virginia City Breakdown
Truck Driver Salary by Virginia City
Pay varies across the state. Compare average earnings in major Virginia cities to find where your driving career pays the most – based on real Indeed data.
Arlington
$93,000/yr
Virginia Beach
$88,400/yr
Richmond
$87,100/yr
Norfolk
$85,800/yr
Chesapeake
$84,200/yr
Roanoke
$78,900/yr
Pay by Role
Virginia Salary by Driver Type
Earnings shift depending on the type of driving you do. Compare Virginia‑specific role averages to find the route that fits your income goals and lifestyle.
OTR Driver
$83,800/yr avg
Long-haul routes across multiple states, offering the highest earning potential in trucking.
View JobsRegional Driver
$77,300/yr avg
Multi-state routes within a defined region, balancing solid pay with more time at home.
View JobsLocal Driver
$70,000/yr avg
Short daily routes within a city or nearby area, ideal for drivers who want to be home every night.
View JobsDedicated Driver
$79,800/yr avg
Consistent routes for a single client, delivering predictable schedules and reliable income.
View JobsFlatbed Driver
$86,200/yr avg
Hauls oversized and open-deck freight, commanding premium pay for specialized skill.
View JobsHazmat Driver
$88,600/yr avg
Transports hazardous materials and earns the highest average pay for certified specialists.
View JobsWhat Affects Truck Driver Salary?
Truck driver pay isn't determined by a single factor. This dashboard highlights the key elements that influence earnings in Virginia and shows where drivers can maximize their income.
Strong Earnings in Virginia
Virginia truck drivers earn an average of $1,651 per week ($85,852/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.
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 Virginia, answered in plain terms — based on real Indeed data.
What is the average truck driver salary in Virginia?
The average truck driver in Virginia earns around $85,852 per year, which breaks down to roughly $1,651 per week or ~$41.28 per hour (based on a 40-hour week). Pay varies based on route type, experience, and the company you drive for. Virginia salaries are above the national average, offering strong earning potential — especially for drivers with specialized endorsements who can earn well into the six-figure range.
Which Virginia city pays truck drivers the most?
Arlington leads the state with an average salary of $93,000 per year, driven by its proximity to the Washington D.C. metro and higher cost‑of‑living adjustments. Other high‑paying cities include Virginia Beach ($88,400), Richmond ($87,100), Norfolk ($85,800), and Chesapeake ($84,200), which is close to the state average. Roanoke is below the state average at ~$78,900. The highest‑paying companies in Virginia often specialize in dedicated OTR routes and hazmat freight, particularly in the industrial hubs around Northern Virginia, Richmond, and Virginia Beach.
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 Virginia, specialized OTR routes 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 $85,852 Virginia average. Top earners in Virginia can make over $168,900 per year.
How can truck drivers earn more in Virginia?
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 Virginia companies offer salaries well above the state average for experienced drivers with the right credentials, especially in logistics hubs like Northern Virginia, Richmond, and Virginia Beach.
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 Virginia, hazmat drivers can earn well above the state average of $85,852, with top earners reaching over $168,900 annually.
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