As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a CDL Operator in the United States is $52,965 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.
However, a CDL Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A CDL Operator'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a CDL Operator'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level CDL Operator | $50,958 |
| Intermediate Level CDL Operator | $51,312 |
| Senior Level CDL Operator | $51,806 |
| Specialist Level CDL Operator | $52,693 |
| Expert Level CDL Operator | $54,501 |
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 CDL Operators. 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
|
$58,261 |
10%
|
|
Hard Working
|
$55,613 |
5%
|
|
Customer Satisfaction
|
$55,083 |
4%
|
|
Container
|
$54,554 |
3%
|
|
Adaptability
|
$54,554 |
3%
|
|
Leadership
|
$54,024 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many CDL Operators 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 Operator with a No Diploma is between $51,637 and $55,371).
CDL Operator 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 Operator'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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a CDL Operator can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $47,512 in 2023 to around $45,939 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of CDL Operator salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $47,512 |
| 2024 | $46,439 |
| 2025 | $45,939 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for CDL Operator and their salaries, click below for more details.
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