Heavy Truck Driver in Everett, WA

The Salary Picture: Where Everett Stands

As a local who’s watched the I-5 corridor pulse with freight for years, I can tell you that being a heavy truck driver in Everett isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme, but it’s a solid, stable trade. The salary data reflects a market that’s competitive for the region, but you need to understand the layers. The median salary for Heavy Truck Drivers here is $55,160/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.52/hour. This is slightly above the national average of $53,090/year, a testament to Washington’s generally higher wages. However, the cost of living (113.0) chews into that advantage.

The Snohomish County metro area has 444 jobs for drivers, indicating a healthy demand, but with a 10-year job growth projection of only 4%, this isn’t a field exploding with new openings. Growth will likely come from replacing retirees and meeting e-commerce logistics needs, not from massive expansion.

To understand the range, here’s a breakdown based on experience, licensing, and the type of freight you’re hauling:

Experience & Pay Breakdown

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Factors in Everett
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$45,000 - $52,000	Typically local, home-daily routes (e.g., deliveries to Boeing, local warehouses). Often starts with a CDL-A but minimal specialized endorsements.
Mid-Career	3-9 years	$55,000 - $65,000	Regional routes (Pacific Northwest), may have HAZMAT or Tanker endorsements. Steady work with major carriers like CRST or local fleets.
Senior	10-19 years	$65,000 - $78,000	OTR (Over-the-Road) or specialized loads (oversized, refrigerated). High demand for drivers who can handle I-5 winter conditions and mountain passes.
Expert/Specialist	20+ years	$78,000+	Owner-operators, instructors, or drivers with specialized certs (e.g., tanker, hazmat) serving the aerospace or marine logistics sectors.

Compared to other WA cities: Everett’s pay is between Seattle and Tacoma. Seattle’s cost of living is higher (driving wages up to ~$60k median), while Tacoma’s is slightly lower (median ~$52k). Everett offers a "sweet spot" for drivers who want Seattle-area work without the city's extreme rent.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s be brutally honest about the math. A median income of $55,160 in Everett, WA, is comfortable for a single person but tight for a family. After federal taxes, Social Security, Medicare, and Washington’s 7% state sales tax (no income tax), your take-home pay is roughly $4,300/month.

Now, factor in the local rent. The average 1BR apartment costs $1,864/month. That’s a significant chunk of your income.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget for a single Heavy Truck Driver earning the median salary:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes for Everett
Rent (1BR)	$1,864	Could be lower in areas like north Everett or Mill Creek, higher near the waterfront.
Utilities (Electric/Gas/Internet)	$200	Washington’s energy rates are moderate.
Groceries	$450	No state income tax helps, but groceries are 10-15% above national average.
Fuel (Personal Vehicle)	$250	You’ll drive less if you land a local route, but WA gas is among the nation’s highest.
Car Insurance	$150	Rates vary by zip code; Everett is cheaper than Seattle.
CDL Maintenance/Health	$200	DOT physicals, minor gear, health insurance premiums.
Miscellaneous/Entertainment	$400	Dining out, streaming, hobbies.
Savings/Debt/Retirement	$786	This is what’s left. It’s manageable but requires discipline.
Total	$4,300	Matches take-home.

Can they afford to buy a home? With the median salary, it's a significant challenge. The median home price in Everett is approximately $650,000. A 20% down payment is $130,000. With a monthly mortgage, taxes, and insurance likely exceeding $3,500, owning a home on a single driver’s salary is not feasible without a dual income or substantial savings. Renting is the more realistic short-to-medium-term option.

Where the Jobs Are: Everett's Major Employers

The job market here is anchored by three key sectors: aerospace, marine, and general logistics. Everett isn't a manufacturing hub itself, but it's the logistics heart for the region's big players.

1. PACCAR / Kenworth: The massive truck manufacturing plant in nearby Renton (a short commute) is a major employer. They need drivers for parts delivery and finished vehicle transport. This is a premium employer with strong benefits.
2. The Boeing Company (Everett Plant): The world’s largest building by volume. While Boeing employs many directly, its entire supply chain relies on truck drivers. Companies like Menzies Aviation (aviation fuel logistics) and numerous freight forwarders serve the plant daily. Getting on with a Boeing subcontractor is a common entry point.
3. Port of Everett: A deep-water port handling containerized and break-bulk cargo. Local drayage companies (moving containers from port to warehouse) and terminal operators are constantly hiring. The work is steady and often home-daily.
4. CRST / Schneider / Major Carriers: These national carriers have terminals in the area, particularly along the I-5 corridor in Marysville and Everett. They offer regional and OTR opportunities. Hiring is brisk, but turnover can be high.
5. Local Warehousing & Distribution: With Amazon and other e-commerce giants having fulfillment centers in neighboring cities (Arlington, Marysville), there’s constant demand for drivers for last-mile delivery and warehouse shuttles. Companies like XPO Logistics and FedEx Freight have a significant presence.
6. Marine & Construction: The Port’s ongoing construction and the nearby Boeing Everett plant’s expansion mean heavy haul and specialized equipment transport. Companies like Mullen Trucking (based in nearby Kent) often have routes into Everett.

Hiring Trends: The market is competitive for qualified drivers. Employers are desperate for drivers with clean records (no major violations in the last 3-5 years) and who can pass a rigorous DOT physical. The "driver shortage" narrative is real here, but it's more of a "qualified driver shortage."

Getting Licensed in WA

Washington State has specific requirements, managed by the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL). Here’s your roadmap:

1. Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP): You must be 18 for intrastate (WA-only) and 21 for interstate (OTR). Pass a knowledge test (general knowledge + combination vehicle), a vision test, and a medical exam certified by a DOT-approved medical examiner. Cost: ~$40 for permit, ~$100-200 for the physical.
2. CDL Training: While Washington doesn't mandate a formal school, most employers do. Local schools like Seattle Truck School or Pacific Northwest Truck Driver School offer 4-6 week programs. Cost: $3,500 - $6,500. Some companies offer tuition reimbursement if you sign a contract.
3. Skills Test: After holding your CLP for 14 days (if you have a WA driver's license) or longer if out-of-state, you take the skills test: pre-trip inspection, basic control, and road test. Cost: $100 for the test.
4. Endorsements: To maximize your pay in Everett, consider these after getting your CDL-A:
   • Tanker (N): For liquid loads (fuel, chemicals). +$5,000-$10,000/year premium.
   • Hazmat (H): For hazardous materials. Requires TSA background check. +$7,000-$15,000/year premium. Crucial for aerospace and chemical logistics.
   • Doubles/Triples (T): For long combination vehicles. Less common in Everett but useful for regional freight.
   • Passenger (P): Not for truck drivers, but relevant if considering bus driving.

Timeline: From starting your permit to being job-ready is typically 2-3 months if you train full-time. Factor in a month for job hunting.

Best Neighborhoods for Heavy Truck Drivers

Where you live affects your commute, access to I-5, and quality of life. Here are the top picks, considering truck-friendly access and amenities.

Neighborhood	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Commute & Lifestyle	Why It Works for Drivers
North Everett / Port Gardner	$1,500 - $1,800	Close to Port of Everett. 10-15 mins to major employers. Walkable to downtown restaurants.	Insider Tip: Older, affordable stock. Easy access to I-5 via SR 527. Good for local route drivers who want to be near the port.
Mill Creek	$1,900 - $2,200	Suburban, family-friendly. 15-20 mins to Boeing/Everett. Planned community with trails.	Slightly pricier, but safe and quiet. Great if you have a family and want a stable home base. Easy highway access.
Eastmont / Silver Lake	$1,700 - $2,000	Residential, near Silver Lake park. 15 mins to I-5, 20 mins to Boeing.	More affordable than Mill Creek. Good mix of apartments and single-family homes. Commute to Boeing is straightforward via 19th Ave SE.
Downtown Everett	$1,800 - $2,100	Urban, walkable, near the waterfront and events. 5-10 mins to I-5.	Insider Tip: Can be noisy if you're near the rail lines or port. Parking can be a hassle with a personal vehicle. Best for younger drivers who want nightlife.
Mukilteo	$2,000 - $2,400	Waterfront, scenic, 15 mins south of Everett. More upscale.	If you can afford it, it's a beautiful, quiet escape. Commute to Everett is against most traffic flow on I-5. Close to ferry to Whidbey Island.

Insider Tip: Avoid neighborhoods immediately west of I-5 in central Everett if you value peace and quiet—the highway noise is constant. Always check for "truck parking" restrictions if you plan to bring a rig home (rare, but some HOAs prohibit it).

The Long Game: Career Growth

A CDL-A is a ticket to mobility, but growth in Everett requires specialization.

• Specialty Premiums: As noted, Hazmat and Tanker endorsements are the biggest pay boosters. In Everett, they’re not just optional—they’re essential for the highest-paying local jobs (e.g., fueling the Port, transporting aerospace chemicals).
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Driver Trainer: After 2-5 years with a clean record, you can train new hires. Pay increases but requires patience.
  2. Logistics Coordinator: Use your on-the-road experience to move into dispatch or operations. This is an office job and can pay $60k-$75k.
  3. Owner-Operator: The highest risk/reward. You lease or own your truck, take on contracts (often from the Port or Boeing suppliers), and keep more of the revenue. This is where top earners pass $100k, but it involves massive responsibility (maintenance, insurance, finding loads).
  4. Specialized Hauler: Get certified for oversized loads (e.g., moving large aircraft parts). This is niche but commands top dollar.

10-Year Outlook: The 4% job growth is steady, not explosive. Automation (autonomous trucks) is a distant threat on I-5 due to complex urban and mountain terrain. The bigger trend is the shift to "regional" models—drivers are home more often, which is a selling point for quality of life. The driver shortage will keep wages rising slightly above inflation, but the real money will be in specialties that keep humans in the loop (Hazmat, oversized).

The Verdict: Is Everett Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Above-average wages for the cost of living compared to Seattle.	High rent relative to the median salary, making homeownership difficult.
Stable job market tied to aerospace, marine, and logistics.	4% job growth is modest; competition for the best jobs is fierce.
No state income tax boosts take-home pay.	Gas is expensive (~$0.50/gal above national avg), eating into budgets.
Diverse routes available—local, regional, OTR, and specialized.	Traffic congestion on I-5 during peak hours can be frustrating.
Access to nature (mountains, water) for off-duty time.	Weather (rain, winter ice) can make driving hazardous and stressful.

Final Recommendation:
Everett is an excellent choice for a mid-career driver (3-10 years experience) who is willing to pursue endorsements (Hazmat/Tanker) to access the premium local jobs. It’s a practical, "get-your-hands-dirty" city where your CDL is a valuable asset. It’s not recommended for an entry-level driver hoping to buy a home immediately, nor for someone seeking a high-growth, tech-centric career. If you value stability, regional work, and a cost of living that’s high but manageable with a skilled trade, Everett is a solid bet. Come for the job, stay for the Puget Sound sunsets (when they happen).

FAQs

Q: Do I need a CDL-A to drive locally in Everett?
A: For most heavy truck jobs (Class 7-8 rigs), yes, a CDL-A is required. For smaller box trucks (under 26,001 lbs), a Class B may suffice, but pay is lower. Aim for the A for maximum opportunities.

Q: What’s the hardest part about driving in Everett?
A: The I-5 corridor, especially the stretch between Everett and Seattle. It’s chronically congested. Winter ice on the overpasses (like the I-5/SR 526 interchange) is a major hazard. Knowing alternate routes like SR 99 or SR 527 is a key local skill.

Q: Can I get a job without prior experience?
A: Yes, but it’s tough. Many local carriers require 1-2 years of experience for insurance reasons. Your best bet is to attend a reputable school and look for "entry-level" or "student driver" positions with large carriers (CRST, Schneider) that have training programs. Be prepared for lower pay initially.

Q: How competitive is the Hazmat endorsement in WA?
A: Very. The TSA background check can take 4-8 weeks. In Everett, having it makes you a standout candidate for jobs with fuel distributors, chemical plants, and aerospace logistics. It’s a worthy investment.

Q: Is owning a truck as an owner-operator viable here?
A: It can be, but it’s a business, not just a job. The Port of Everett and Boeing supply chain offer consistent contracts, but you’ll need to handle maintenance, find freight brokers, and manage downtime. Connect with the Washington Trucking Associations for local insights before making the leap.