As of January 01, 2026, the average annual salary for cdl class a in California is $58,132, equivalent to $28 per hour, $1,118 weekly, or $4,844 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for cdl class a in cities like Santa Clara, San Jose, and Fremont.

Annually Salaries for cdl class a in California vary widely, spanning from $48,121 to $70,939. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($52,892) and 75th percentile ($64,836), while top earners (90th percentile) make $70,939 per year. This $11,944 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 $48,121 CA January 01, 2026
25th Percentile cdl class a Salary $52,892 CA January 01, 2026
50th Percentile cdl class a Salary $58,132 CA January 01, 2026
75th Percentile cdl class a Salary $64,836 CA January 01, 2026
90th Percentile cdl class a Salary $70,939 CA January 01, 2026
25% $52,892 10% $48,121 90% $70,939 75% $64,836 $58,132 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 $60,987 Date Updated January 01, 2026
Location Acampo, CA Avg. Salary $62,245 Date Updated January 01, 2026
Location Acton, CA Avg. Salary $64,067 Date Updated January 01, 2026
Location Adelanto, CA Avg. Salary $60,941 Date Updated January 01, 2026
Location Adin, CA Avg. Salary $59,526 Date Updated January 01, 2026
Location Agoura Hills, CA Avg. Salary $63,229 Date Updated January 01, 2026
Location Aguanga, CA Avg. Salary $61,069 Date Updated January 01, 2026
Location Ahwahnee, CA Avg. Salary $57,978 Date Updated January 01, 2026
Location Alameda, CA Avg. Salary $71,087 Date Updated January 01, 2026
Location Alamo, CA Avg. Salary $70,924 Date Updated January 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