Truck Driver Salary in Washington 2026
The average truck driver salary in Washington is $1,711 per week as of 2026 — that's approximately $88,972 annually (or roughly $42.78 per hour based on a standard 40-hour workweek) for qualified CDL drivers.
Truck driver salary in Washington, 2026
How much does a Truck Driver make in Washington?
Washington Salary Snapshot
Washington Truck Driver Pay at a Glance
Real wage data for Washington 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 $47.4k – $166.8k annually
$88,972
Average Annual Salary
$1,711
Average Weekly Pay
$42.78
Average Hourly Pay
$166.8k
Top Earners (High Range)
Washington Salary by City
Truck Driver Salary in Washington Cities
Pay varies across the Evergreen State. Compare average earnings in Washington's key cities to find where your driving career pays the most – based on regional market trends, cross-border freight moving along the I-5 and I-90 corridors, port logistics in the Puget Sound, agricultural hauling through Eastern Washington, and distribution networks serving the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
Seattle
$97,968/yr
Tacoma
$96,512/yr
Spokane
$92,600/yr
Bellevue
$93,220/yr
Olympia
$88,972/yr
Yakima
$82,160/yr
Pay by Role
Washington Salary by Driver Type
Earnings shift depending on the type of driving you do. Compare Washington‑specific role averages to find the route that fits your income goals and lifestyle – from long-haul interstate freight along I‑5 and I‑90 to agricultural hauling in Eastern Washington, regional distribution through the Puget Sound, and dedicated routes serving the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
OTR Driver
$95,100/yr avg
Long-haul routes across multiple states and into Canada, offering the highest earning potential in the Pacific Northwest.
View JobsRegional Driver
$89,700/yr avg
Multi-state routes within the Pacific Northwest and West Coast, balancing solid pay with more time at home.
View JobsLocal Driver
$81,100/yr avg
Short daily routes within a city or nearby area, ideal for drivers who want to be home every night serving Washington communities.
View JobsDedicated Driver
$93,600/yr avg
Consistent routes for a single client, delivering predictable schedules and reliable income across Washington's key freight lanes.
View JobsFlatbed Driver
$97,800/yr avg
Hauls oversized and open‑deck freight, commanding premium pay for specialized skill – critical for Washington's construction, agricultural equipment, and forestry sectors.
View JobsHazmat Driver
$109,600/yr avg
Transports hazardous materials and earns the highest average pay for certified specialists – essential for regional industrial, energy, and agricultural supply chains in the Pacific Northwest.
View JobsWhat Affects Truck Driver Salary in Washington?
Truck driver pay isn't determined by a single factor. This dashboard highlights the key elements that influence earnings in Washington and shows where drivers can maximize their income.
Steady Earnings in Washington
Washington truck drivers earn an average of $1,711 per week ($88,972/year), which is on par with 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 $166,816 annually. These figures are based on 4,300+ 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 Washington, answered in plain terms — based on real Indeed data.
What is the average truck driver salary in Washington?
The average truck driver in Washington earns around $88,972 per year, which breaks down to roughly $1,711 per week or ~$42.78 per hour (based on a 40-hour week). Pay varies based on route type, experience, and the company you drive for. Washington salaries are on par with the national average, and drivers with specialized endorsements can earn well over the average — with top earners reaching up to $166,816 annually.
Which Washington city pays truck drivers the most?
Seattle leads the state at $97,968/year — the state's largest port and logistics hub along the I‑5 corridor. It is followed closely by Tacoma ($96,512), home to one of the nation's busiest seaports, and Bellevue ($93,220) — a key suburban distribution hub. Spokane ($92,600) anchors Eastern Washington along the I‑90 corridor. The highest‑paying companies in Washington specialize in dedicated OTR routes, port logistics serving the Seattle and Tacoma hubs, agricultural hauling in Eastern Washington, flatbed freight serving the construction and aerospace sectors, and hazmat transport — especially around the Seattle, Tacoma, and Bellevue metropolitan areas and along the I‑5 and I‑90 freight corridors that connect the Pacific Northwest to Canada and the greater West Coast.
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 Washington, specialized OTR routes — especially those connecting the Seattle and Tacoma port distribution hubs, Bellevue's logistics centers, and Spokane's freight networks to broader West Coast and Canadian markets — 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 $88,972 Washington average. Top earners in Washington can make up to $166,816 per year.
How can truck drivers earn more in Washington?
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 Washington companies offer salaries well above the state average for experienced drivers with the right credentials, especially in key logistics hubs like the Seattle metropolitan area, Tacoma port distribution centers, and Bellevue's I‑405 corridor along I‑5 and I‑90 that link the Evergreen State to major West Coast and Canadian markets. Washington's growing port logistics industry, aerospace supply chain sector, agricultural transport in Eastern Washington, cross‑border freight to Canada, and expanding regional distribution networks create steady demand for specialized freight haulers, with ample opportunities for flatbed hauling, refrigerated transport, and hazmat delivery.
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 Washington, hazmat drivers can earn well above the state average of $88,972, with top earners reaching up to $166,816 annually — especially those servicing the state's growing port logistics, aerospace, and industrial sectors in hubs like Seattle, Tacoma, and Bellevue, plus the expanding distribution networks along the I‑5 and I‑90 corridors that connect Washington to the greater West Coast and Canadian markets.
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Whether you're a driver ready for a better opportunity, or a carrier that needs qualified CDL talent — Remms is ready when you are.