CDL Truck Driver.
Arlington.
$76,000
median salary, 27% above the national average
$58,000 to $99,000. Last updated April 2026.
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Data points to own the conversation.
Here is what CDL Truck Drivers actually make in Arlington: $58,000 at the 25th percentile, $76,000 at the median, and $99,000 at the 75th. That is 27% above the national average. Arlington is the heart of the DC defense and intelligence corridor, home to the Pentagon, DARPA, and hundreds of government contractors. The number on your offer letter will depend on what you bring and how you ask.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $69,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$49,000
to $61,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$65,000
to $80,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$84,000
to $99,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$95,000
to $118,000
Salary trend
+6% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $23,000 to the total package.
Base
$76,000
Equity
$13,000
Bonus
$8,000
Signing
$2,000
Estimated total: $99,000
How Arlington compares
Arlington, VA
$76,000
Cost of living: 22% above average
National Average
$60,000
Arlington is $16,000 above
CDL Truck Driver salary by city
Salary by role in Arlington
What you should know
If you are interviewing for CDL Truck Driver roles in Arlington, here is what you are walking into. Arlington is the heart of the DC defense and intelligence corridor, home to the Pentagon, DARPA, and hundreds of government contractors. The concentration of cleared tech jobs makes it one of the highest-paying metros for cybersecurity and cloud engineering. Amazon's HQ2 has brought a wave of commercial tech hiring. Hauling specialization creates the largest pay differences. Tanker, hazmat, and oversized load endorsements add 15 to 25% over dry van rates. Owner-operators can earn significantly more but assume fuel, maintenance, and insurance costs. Long-haul OTR drivers earn more per mile than regional or local drivers, but local drivers often earn competitive annual totals with better home time.
New CDL holders start at $40,000 to $48,000 with a training carrier. Experienced drivers earn $46,000 to $68,000 after two to three years. Specialized haulers earn $65,000 to $85,000, while owner-operators gross $150,000 to $250,000 with net income of $70,000 to $120,000 after expenses. In Arlington, those numbers run higher. The cost of living here is 22% above average, and employers adjust to compete.
Base salary is not the full picture. Per diem payments of $50 to $70 daily for OTR drivers reduce taxable income significantly. Sign-on bonuses of $5,000 to $15,000 are common during driver shortages. Many carriers provide health insurance, 401k matching, and paid home time after specified weeks on the road. And on the tax side: virginia's top income tax rate is 5.75%. Arlington has no additional city income tax. Proximity to DC means many residents compare against DC and Maryland tax rates. When someone quotes you $76,000, ask what the total package looks like. The gap between base and total comp is where real money hides.
On negotiation: A security clearance is your strongest asset. Cleared professionals in Arlington earn 20 to 30% premiums over non-cleared equivalents. The range for CDL Truck Drivers in Arlington runs from $58,000 to $99,000. That is not a narrow window. Where you land inside it depends almost entirely on whether you negotiate and how well you prepare.
Sources: SEC filings, H-1B LCA (DOL), BLS OES, 50+ job posting platforms. COL: BEA Regional Price Parities (2025). Data verified by Justin Bartak, Founder & Chief AI Officer. Last verified April 8, 2026. Full methodology
Considering a related role?
- A Property Manager in Arlington earns $75,000 (1% less)
- The highest-paying role in Arlington is Distinguished Engineer at $386,000
Common questions.
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