How Much Does A cdl class a Make in the United States ? (2026 Salary Guide)

cdl class a Salary in the United States

As of May 01, 2026, the average annual salary for cdl class a in the US is $52,733, equivalent to $25 per hour, $1,014 weekly, or $4,394 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for cdl class a in cities like San Jose, Santa Clara, and San Francisco.

Annually Salaries for cdl class a in the US vary widely, spanning from $43,662 to $64,386. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($47,985) and 75th percentile ($58,832), while top earners (90th percentile) make $64,386 per year. This $10,847 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Commitment or Safety Administration, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.

Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, District of Columbia cdl class a often earn 10.7% above national averages due to demand from Fortune 9 companies and industry startups. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.

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cdl class a Salaries by Percentile
Percentile Salary Location Last Updated
10th Percentile cdl class a Salary $43,662 US May 01, 2026
25th Percentile cdl class a Salary $47,985 US May 01, 2026
50th Percentile cdl class a Salary $52,733 US May 01, 2026
75th Percentile cdl class a Salary $58,832 US May 01, 2026
90th Percentile cdl class a Salary $64,386 US May 01, 2026
25% $47,985 10% $43,662 90% $64,386 75% $58,832 $52,733 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click
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What is A cdl class a ?

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...

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Career Path for this job

  1. Down a level:

    Heavy Truck Driver I

    0 - 1 years experience
    High School Diploma or Technical Certificate

  2. This Job:

    cdl class a

    1 - 3 years experience
    High School Diploma or Technical Certificate

  3. Up a level:

    Heavy Truck Driver III

    3 - 5 years experience
    High School Diploma or Technical Certificate

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Understand the total compensation opportunity for A cdl class a, base salary plus other pay elements

Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
47985
58832
52733

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
52478
67374
59166
These charts show 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. The base salary for cdl class a ranges from $47,985 to $58,832 with the average base salary of $52,733. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $52,478 to $67,374 with the average total cash compensation of $59,166.

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47985
58832

 

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