As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Truck Driver III (CDL-A) in the United States is $60,190 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.
However, a Truck Driver III (CDL-A)'s salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Truck Driver III (CDL-A)'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 III (CDL-A)'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Truck Driver I | 0-1 years | $48,586 |
| Commercial Truck Driver II | 1-3 years | $53,736 |
| Truck Driver III (CDL-A) | 3-5 years | $60,138 |
| Truck Driver IV (CDL-A) | 5-7 years | $66,330 |
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 III (CDL-A)s. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Truck Driver III (CDL-A) salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $67,379. While startup companies pay approximate $57,001.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $57,001 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $60,286 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $65,067 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $67,379 |
For Truck Driver III (CDL-A) roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Construction sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Truck Driver III (CDL-A) positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Truck Driver III (CDL-A) as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $78,247 | $38.0 | 30% |
| Construction | $75,238 | $36.0 | 25% |
| Biotechnology | $72,228 | $35.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $69,218 | $33.0 | 15% |
| Financial Services | $69,218 | $33.0 | 15% |
Understanding how a Truck Driver III (CDL-A)'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 III (CDL-A), 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Truck Driver IV (CDL-A) | $66,400 | 10% |
| Truck Dispatch Operations Supervisor | $62,130 | 3% |
Salaries for a Truck Driver III (CDL-A) can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $54,379 in 2023 to around $53,847 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Truck Driver III (CDL-A) salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $54,379 |
| 2024 | $54,329 |
| 2025 | $53,847 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Truck Driver III (CDL-A) roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
While there isn't a specific limit on the miles a truck driver can drive in a day, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's Hours of Service (HOS) regulations dictate the number of hours they can operate. Truck drivers typically earn between $54,890 and $68,190 annually, with a median salary of $60,990, reflecting the demands of the job.
Truck drivers with a CDL-A can earn between $54,890 and $68,190 annually, which translates to approximately $1,000 to $1,300 per week. While some top drivers may earn over $2,000 in peak weeks, the average salary does not consistently reach that level.
The highest paying job can vary, but for Truck Drivers (CDL-A), salaries range from $54,890 to $68,190, with a median salary of $60,990. While this may not be at the top of the list compared to other professions like physicians or surgeons, it offers a solid income for those in the industry.
Local truck drivers typically earn between $54,890 and $68,190 annually, with a mid-salary of $60,990. While some drivers may achieve higher earnings through overtime or bonuses, reaching $100K a year is generally uncommon in this field. Competitive benefits may enhance overall compensation, but base salaries remain below that threshold.
Truck drivers typically earn between $54,890 and $68,190 annually, with a mid-salary of $60,990. While it's theoretically possible to make $200,000 by hauling high-paying loads like electrical transformers or cell phones, this is not common and would require consistently securing those lucrative jobs.
The highest paid CDL-A truck drivers can earn a maximum salary of $68,190 per year. The average salary for this role is around $60,990, while entry-level positions start at a minimum of $54,890. These figures reflect the competitive nature of the trucking industry and the demand for skilled drivers.
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