As of October 01, 2026, the average annual salary for cdl class a in the US is $52,770, equivalent to $25 per hour, $1,015 weekly, or $4,398 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 $43,688 to $64,429. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($48,016) and 75th percentile ($58,873), while top earners (90th percentile) make $64,429 per year. This $10,857 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.

Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
cdl class a Salaries by Percentile
Percentile Salary Location Last Updated
10th Percentile cdl class a Salary $43,688 US October 01, 2026
25th Percentile cdl class a Salary $48,016 US October 01, 2026
50th Percentile cdl class a Salary $52,770 US October 01, 2026
75th Percentile cdl class a Salary $58,873 US October 01, 2026
90th Percentile cdl class a Salary $64,429 US October 01, 2026
25% $48,016 10% $43,688 90% $64,429 75% $58,873 $52,770 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click
Change Search Criteria
Check out cdl class a jobs in Columbus, Ohio
Search More cdl class a Jobs in Columbus, Ohio

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...

Source: (as of 06/04/2025). Read more from

See user submitted job responsibilities for cdl class a.

Job Openings for cdl class a

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

Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
48016
58873
52770

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
53159
68246
59933
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 $48,016 to $58,873 with the average base salary of $52,770. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $53,159 to $68,246 with the average total cash compensation of $59,933.

Discover how your pay is adjusted for skills, experience, and other factors

How much should you be paid?

For a real-time salary target, tell us more about your role in the four categories below.

48016
58873

 

Jobs with a similar salary range to cdl class a : Form Setter, Local Cdl Driver, Auto Hauler