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CDL Salary in California

How much does a CDL make in California? As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a CDL in California is $66,083 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.

However, a CDL's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $80,606
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $59,011 to $73,685
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $52,573
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out CDL Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence CDL Salaries

A CDL's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects CDL Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a CDL's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $48,948
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $54,711
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $64,499
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $77,026
  • Expert (over 8 years): $82,548
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Product Inspector I less than 1 year $48,948
Product Inspector II 1-2 years $54,711
CDL 2-4 years $64,499
Product Inspector IV 5-8 years $77,026
Product Quality Supervisor over 8 years $82,548

How Do CDL Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract CDLs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $66,334.
  • California: $66,083.
  • Massachusetts: $65,202.

Top Paying Cities for CDL

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Los Angeles: $66,197
  • West Hollywood: $66,149
  • Dodgertown: $66,196

CDL Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For CDL roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 43% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, CDL positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view CDL as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a CDL

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology $79,299 $38.0 20%
Pharmaceuticals $77,978 $37.0 18%
Insurance $75,995 $37.0 15%
Healthcare $74,013 $36.0 12%
Internet $73,352 $35.0 11%

CDL Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a CDL's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on October 01, 2026
$59,011
Average $66,083/year
$73,685
$4,918
Average $5,507/month
$6,140
$1,135
Average $1,271/week
$1,417
$28
Average $32/hour
$35
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $73,685 $6,140 $1,417 $35
Average $66,083 $5,507 $1,271 $32
25th Percentile $59,011 $4,918 $1,135 $28

Find Your Next CDL Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current CDL job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • Hirenow Staffing Inc | Los Angeles, CA

    CDL

    Hirenow Staffing Inc | Los Angeles, CA

    CDL-A Driver. HireNow Staffing is actively recruiting seasoned, highly skilled CDL-A Drivers to join one of our valued client partners. This direct-hire op... more

    10 Days Ago

  • American Driver | Fresno, CA

    CDL

    American Driver | Fresno, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Central Valley Class A drivers: western regional freight, home every two weeks, and a paid start for new drivers. Out of ... more

    8 Days Ago

  • C.R. England | Corona, CA

    CDL

    C.R. England | Corona, CA

    Dedicated Account with great pay and miles located in Mira Loma, CA is looking for CDL A Drivers to run Team.All routes are consistent weekly schedules and... more

    9 Days Ago

  • Werner Enterprises | Oxnard, CA

    CDL

    Werner Enterprises | Oxnard, CA

    Werner is Now Hiring CDL-A Company Drivers. Multiple Route Options and Pay Packages. More Than Half of Our Drivers Make Over $75,000 and Our Top 25% Make O... more

    10 Days Ago

  • Werner Enterprises | Bellflower, CA

    CDL

    Werner Enterprises | Bellflower, CA

    Werner is Now Hiring Dedicated CDL-A Truck Drivers. Average Earnings of $75,000 - $85,000 per Year Consistent and Reliable Home Time Options to Fit Your Li... more

    10 Days Ago

  • Andrus Transportation | Lancaster, CA

    CDL

    Andrus Transportation | Lancaster, CA

    HighlightsAverage $54,600 - $88,400 per yearNew Fully Loaded, Automatic TrucksDrive Routes through the Western United States and Never Be Far From Home. If... more

    10 Days Ago

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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