As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Truck Driver I (CDL-B) in the United States is $43,500 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.
However, a Truck Driver I (CDL-B)'s salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Truck Driver I (CDL-B)'s salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Truck Driver I (CDL-B)'s salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Truck Driver I (CDL-B) | 0-1 years | $43,499 |
| Truck Driver II (CDL-B) | 1-3 years | $48,341 |
| Truck Driver III (CDL-B) | 3-5 years | $55,213 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Truck Driver I (CDL-B)s. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Truck Driver I (CDL-B) salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $48,696. While startup companies pay approximate $41,195.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $41,195 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $43,569 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $47,024 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $48,696 |
For Truck Driver I (CDL-B) roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 70% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Truck Driver I (CDL-B) positions in Software & Networking or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Truck Driver I (CDL-B) as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $60,900 | $29.0 | 40% |
| Financial Services | $56,550 | $27.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $52,200 | $25.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $52,200 | $25.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $50,025 | $24.0 | 15% |
Understanding how a Truck Driver I (CDL-B)'s annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Truck Driver I (CDL-B), you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery Driver II | $48,400 | 11% |
| Haul Truck Driver I | $60,200 | 38% |
| Commercial Truck Driver II | $53,740 | 24% |
| Truck Driver II (CDL-B) | $48,390 | 11% |
Salaries for a Truck Driver I (CDL-B) can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $44,693 in 2023 to around $43,134 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Truck Driver I (CDL-B) salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $44,693 |
| 2024 | $43,835 |
| 2025 | $43,134 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Truck Driver I (CDL-B) roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
While there isn't a specific limit on the miles a truck driver can cover in a day, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's Hours of Service (HOS) regulations dictate driving hours. Truck drivers typically earn between $38,000 and $48,500 annually, with a median salary of around $43,100, reflecting the demands of the job.
When deciding between a CDL A or CDL B, it's important to consider salary potential. For CDL B truck drivers, the salary ranges from a minimum of $38,000 to a mid-range of $43,100, with a maximum of $48,500. While CDL A drivers typically earn more, CDL B can still offer a competitive salary for those entering the trucking industry.
Texas tops the list as the state with the most truck drivers. Its vast size allows truckers to travel long distances without leaving the state, which can take more than a day depending on the route. Truck drivers in Texas can expect salaries ranging from $38,000 to $48,500, with a mid-range salary of approximately $43,100.
Truck drivers typically do not make $10K a week. The salary range for CDL-B truck drivers is between $38,000 and $48,500 annually, which averages to about $3,167 to $4,042 per month. While some owner-operators may earn higher, the average salary for most truck drivers is significantly lower than $10K weekly.
While some truck drivers may earn high salaries, the average salary for a CDL-B truck driver ranges from $38,000 to $48,500 annually, with a mid-salary of $43,100. Earning $200,000 a year is highly unlikely unless a driver consistently hauls exceptionally high-paying loads, which is rare.
Truck drivers typically earn between $38,000 and $48,500 annually, with a mid-salary of $43,100. While owner-operators can exceed $100,000, most company drivers earn within this range. Factors like experience, freight type, and additional roles such as trainers can influence earnings. For a more accurate estimate, consult a recruiter.
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