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Truck Driver I (CDL-B) Salary in the United States

How much does a Truck Driver I (CDL-B) make in the United States?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Truck Driver I (CDL-B) in the United States is $43,600 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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $55,827
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $41,000 to $50,000
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $38,633

Key Factors That Influence Truck Driver I (CDL-B) Salaries

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 geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

Top Paying Cities for Truck Driver I (CDL-B)s

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $54,900
  • San Francisco: $54,300
  • Oakland: $53,200

Truck Driver I (CDL-B) Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

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 $48,675. While startup companies pay approximate $41,215.

Truck Driver I (CDL-B) Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $41,215
Growth Stage 51~500 $43,580
Established 501~5000 $46,999
Enterprise 5000+ $48,675

Truck Driver I (CDL-B) Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

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.

The top paying industries for a Truck Driver I (CDL-B)

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$61,040$29.040%
Financial Services$56,680$27.030%
Biotechnology$52,320$25.020%
Energy & Utilities$52,320$25.020%
Healthcare$50,140$24.015%

Truck Driver I (CDL-B) Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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 October 01, 2026
$41,000
Average $43,600/year
$50,000
$3,417
Average $3,633/month
$4,167
$788
Average $838/week
$962
$20
Average $21/hour
$24
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $50,000 $4,167 $962 $24
Average $43,600 $3,633 $838 $21
25th Percentile $41,000 $3,417 $788 $20

Truck Driver I (CDL-B) Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions 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.

Truck Driver I (CDL-B) Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Delivery Driver II $48,400 11%
Haul Truck Driver I $60,200 38%
Commercial Truck Driver II $53,760 23%
Truck Driver II (CDL-B) $48,390 11%

Most common benefits for Truck Driver I (CDL-B)

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Truck Driver I (CDL-B)

Here are companies hiring for Truck Driver I (CDL-B) and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Truck Driver I (CDL-B)

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Truck Driver I (CDL-B)?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Truck Driver I (CDL-B) roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.

2. Can a truck driver drive 1000 miles a day?

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.

3. Which CDL pays the best?

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.

4. What state needs truck drivers the most?

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.

5. Can truck drivers make 10K a week?

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.

6. Can truck drivers make 200k a year?

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.

7. Do truckers really make 100k a year?

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.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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