As of May 01, 2026, the average annual salary for cdl class a in California is $58,164, equivalent to $28 per hour, $1,119 weekly, or $4,847 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 California vary widely, spanning from $48,160 to $71,017. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($52,927) and 75th percentile ($64,892), while top earners (90th percentile) make $71,017 per year. This $11,965 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, California cdl class a often earn 10.3% higher than national averages due to demand from Fortune 9 companies. However, California currently ranks 2 nationwide for cdl class a job salary. 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 $48,160 CA May 01, 2026
25th Percentile cdl class a Salary $52,927 CA May 01, 2026
50th Percentile cdl class a Salary $58,164 CA May 01, 2026
75th Percentile cdl class a Salary $64,892 CA May 01, 2026
90th Percentile cdl class a Salary $71,017 CA May 01, 2026
25% $52,927 10% $48,160 90% $71,017 75% $64,892 $58,164 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...

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

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Location Avg. Salary Date Updated
Location Coachella, CA Avg. Salary $59,228 Date Updated May 01, 2026
Location Acampo, CA Avg. Salary $62,966 Date Updated May 01, 2026
Location Acton, CA Avg. Salary $63,132 Date Updated May 01, 2026
Location Adelanto, CA Avg. Salary $61,139 Date Updated May 01, 2026
Location Adin, CA Avg. Salary $59,734 Date Updated May 01, 2026
Location Agoura Hills, CA Avg. Salary $62,971 Date Updated May 01, 2026
Location Aguanga, CA Avg. Salary $60,639 Date Updated May 01, 2026
Location Ahwahnee, CA Avg. Salary $59,379 Date Updated May 01, 2026
Location Alameda, CA Avg. Salary $71,718 Date Updated May 01, 2026
Location Alamo, CA Avg. Salary $69,742 Date Updated May 01, 2026
Job Openings for cdl class a in California

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