Truck Driver Salary in Newark, NJ: $55,910 (2026)

Truck Driver Pay in Newark: What to Expect (2026)

Newark offers a median truck driver salary of $55,910, which is $1,498 below the New Jersey state average of $57,408. Compared to the national median of $49,920, Newark pays above average for this role.

However, Newark's cost of living index is 112%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $55,910 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $49,920. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Newark should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for truck drivers in Newark spans from $37,184 at the 10th percentile to $87,360 at the 90th percentile — a $50,176 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $39,200, while senior truck drivers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $80,640. With a population of 311,549, Newark is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Truck Driver Salary in Newark by Experience

In Newark, an entry-level truck driver earns around $39,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,640 per year. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$39,200

+$4,200 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$56,000

+$6,000 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$80,640

+$8,640 vs national

Percentile	Newark	NJ State	National
10th Percentile	$37,184	$38,180	$33,200
25th Percentile	$45,024	$46,230	$40,200
Median (50th)	$55,910	$57,408	$49,920
75th Percentile	$71,456	$73,370	$63,800
90th Percentile	$87,360	$89,700	$78,000

Percentile

Newark

10th Percentile

$37,184

25th Percentile

$45,024

Median (50th)

$55,910

75th Percentile

$71,456

90th Percentile

$87,360

How to Become a Truck Driver in Newark

Education

Most truck driver positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Newark and the surrounding New Jersey area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

CDL LicenseRoute PlanningVehicle InspectionDOT RegulationsTime ManagementDefensive Driving

Job Outlook

Nationally, truck driver employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Newark may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Truck Driver Salary in Newark

How much does a Truck Driver make in Newark, NJ? ▼

The median truck driver salary in Newark, New Jersey is $55,910 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median of $49,920. Salaries range from $37,184 (10th percentile) to $87,360 (90th percentile).

How much does a Truck Driver make per hour in Newark? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $55,910, a truck driver in Newark earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Newark compare to the New Jersey state average for truck driver pay? ▼

Newark's median truck driver salary of $55,910 is 2.6% below the New Jersey state average of $57,408. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Newark, NJ? ▼

Newark has a cost of living index of 112% compared to the national average. This means a truck driver salary of $55,910 in Newark has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a truck driver in Newark? ▼

Most truck driver positions in Newark require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include CDL License, Route Planning, Vehicle Inspection, DOT Regulations. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.

Truck Driver Salary in Newark, New Jersey