As of May 01, 2026, the average hourly pay of cdl class a in the United States is $25. While Salary.com is seeing that cdl class a salary in the US can go up to $31 or down to $21, but most earn between $23 and $28. Salary.com shows the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of cdl class a in the United States.
| Percentile | Hourly Pay Rate | Location | Last Updated |
| 10th Percentile cdl class a Salary | $21 | US | May 01, 2026 |
| 25th Percentile cdl class a Salary | $23 | US | May 01, 2026 |
| 50th Percentile cdl class a Salary | $25 | US | May 01, 2026 |
| 75th Percentile cdl class a Salary | $28 | US | May 01, 2026 |
| 90th Percentile cdl class a Salary | $31 | US | May 01, 2026 |
A CDL Class A driver operates commercial vehicles, including tractor-trailers, across various distances. Responsibilities include transporting goods, conducting pre-trip inspections, maintaining accurate logs, and adhering to safety regulations. The role requires strong navigation skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage time effectively. Salaries for CDL Class A drivers can vary widely based on factors such as experience, location, and the type of freight transported. On average, drivers can expect to earn between $45,000 and $75,000 annually, with potential for overtime and bon...
0 - 1 years experience
High School Diploma or Technical Certificate
1 - 3 years experience
High School Diploma or Technical Certificate
3 - 5 years experience
High School Diploma or Technical Certificate
| Job Title | Experience | EDUCATION | Salary Compared to This Job |
|---|---|---|---|
| Job Title Delivery Truck Driver II | Experience 1 - 3 | EducationHigh School | Salary Compared to This Job |
| Job Title Dump Truck Driver II | Experience 3 - 5 | EducationHigh School | Salary Compared to This Job |
| Job Title Heavy Equipment Operator II | Experience 1 - 3 | EducationHigh School | Salary Compared to This Job |
| Job Title Heavy Truck Driver I | Experience 0 - 1 | EducationHigh School | Salary Compared to This Job |
| Job Title Heavy Truck Driver III | Experience 3 - 5 | EducationHigh School | Salary Compared to This Job |
Core compensation
Includes base and short-term incentives
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Learn more about: Compensation Packages, Employee Flight Risk, Gender Pay Gap, Job Openings for This Role
Jobs with a similar salary range to cdl class a : Form Setter, Local Cdl Driver, Auto Hauler
