As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a CDL Driver in the United States is $53,294 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.
However, a CDL Driver's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A CDL Driver'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
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 CDL Drivers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 17.14% |
| Safety Administration | 2.21% |
| CPR | 1.62% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Waste Management
|
$58,623 |
10%
|
|
Hard Working
|
$55,958 |
5%
|
|
Customer Satisfaction
|
$55,425 |
4%
|
|
Container
|
$54,892 |
3%
|
|
Adaptability
|
$54,892 |
3%
|
|
Leadership
|
$54,359 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many CDL Drivers enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a CDL Driver with a No Diploma is between $51,637 and $55,371).
CDL Driver Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 3.7% |
| High School | 76.9% |
| Associates | 8.9% |
| Bachelors | 6.8% |
| Masters | 2.2% |
| Doctorate | 1.5% |
Understanding how a CDL Driver'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 May 01, 2026Salaries for a CDL Driver can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $47,779 in 2023 to around $46,197 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of CDL Driver salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $47,779 |
| 2024 | $46,700 |
| 2025 | $46,197 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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