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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a CDL Driver in California is $58,808 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.
However, a CDL Driver's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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CDL Driver Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $65,651 | $5,471 | $1,263 | $32 |
| Average | $58,808 | $4,901 | $1,131 | $28 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,524 | $4,460 | $1,029 | $26 |
Dobbs Peterbilt - Redding, CA
QXO - Santa Rosa, CA
Clean Earth Holdings - Rancho Cordova, CA
Waste Connections - Lone Pine, CA
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 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:
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:
For CDL Driver roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 90% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, CDL Driver positions in Telecom or Software & Networking typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view CDL Driver as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $88,212 | $42.0 | 50% |
| Internet | $82,331 | $40.0 | 40% |
| Financial Services | $76,450 | $37.0 | 30% |
| Insurance | $73,510 | $35.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $70,569 | $34.0 | 20% |
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $65,651 | $5,471 | $1,263 | $32 |
| Average | $58,808 | $4,901 | $1,131 | $28 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,524 | $4,460 | $1,029 | $26 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current CDL Driver job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Empowered Carriers, Inc.
Los Angeles, CA
Empowered Carriers, Inc. | Los Angeles, CA
Looking for class b drivers with passenger endorsement. Additional air break endorsement is a plus. Our company is seeking multiple reliable full-time and ... more
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Team Fishel
San Diego, CA
Team Fishel | San Diego, CA
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San Francisco International Airport
South San Francisco, CA
San Francisco International Airport | South San Francisco, CA
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PRS Management, Inc.
Napa, CA
PRS Management, Inc. | Napa, CA
OverviewLocated in the heart of Wine Country, The Meadows of Napa Valley, not-for-profit Life Plan Community, is the area's premier senior living experienc... more
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American Rental Association
Canoga Park, CA
American Rental Association | Canoga Park, CA
Great company. Great people. Great opportunities.If you'd like the chance to make your mark with the world's largest equipment rental provider, come build ... more
7 Days Ago
Foundation Building Materials
Palm Desert, CA
Foundation Building Materials | Palm Desert, CA
About UsCompany OverviewFoundation Building Materials (FBM) is a leading construction materials distribution company that serves the commercial and residen... more
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