How much does a CDL make in Montana? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a CDL in Montana is $56,553 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $68,982
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $50,502 to $63,059
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $44,993

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): $41,893
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $46,826
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $55,198
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $56,830
  • Expert (over 8 years): $70,653
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Product Inspector I less than 1 year $41,893
Product Inspector II 1-2 years $46,826
CDL 2-4 years $55,198
Product Inspector IV 5-8 years $56,830
Product Quality Supervisor over 8 years $70,653

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:

  • Absarokee: $56,209
  • Acton: $57,570
  • Ashland: $56,166

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 $67,864 $33.0 20%
Pharmaceuticals $66,733 $32.0 18%
Insurance $65,036 $31.0 15%
Healthcare $63,339 $30.0 12%
Internet $62,774 $30.0 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 August 01, 2026
$50,502
Average $56,553/year
$63,059
$4,208
Average $4,713/month
$5,255
$971
Average $1,088/week
$1,213
$24
Average $27/hour
$30
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $63,059 $5,255 $1,213 $30
Average $56,553 $4,713 $1,088 $27
25th Percentile $50,502 $4,208 $971 $24

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.

  • US Foods | Laurel, MT

    CDL

    US Foods | Laurel, MT

    $20,000 RETENTION BONUS FOR NEW HIRES. Check out our exciting job preview video:A Day in the Life Delivery Truck Driver.JOIN THE US FOODS TEAM. Are you rea... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Small Potato Trucking | Lolo, MT

    CDL

    Small Potato Trucking | Lolo, MT

    Solo driver with at least 3 months verifiable experiencePay $1,972.00 - $2,496.00 for 2-4 loads with 3-4 stops per load per weekLane goes from RidgEfield t... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Idaho Milk Transport | Bozeman, MT

    CDL

    Idaho Milk Transport | Bozeman, MT

    Idaho Milk Transport is looking for Class-A CDL Drivers to transport bulk food grade liquid to our customers within the 11 Western and Midwest states. Join... more

    6 Days Ago

  • The Employee Connect | Butte, MT

    CDL

    The Employee Connect | Butte, MT

    Position Overview Local CDL-A driving position based in Butte, Montana. Route Details Average annual pay: $85,000 Minimum experience required: 3 months Int... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Dollar General Fleet | Billings, MT

    CDL

    Dollar General Fleet | Billings, MT

    Dollar General Fleet is Now Urgently Hiring CDL-A Drivers in Blair, NE. Earn Up to $97,000 per Year* - Home Weekly. CDL-A and 1 Year of Experience Required... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Dairy Farmers of America | Helena, MT

    CDL

    Dairy Farmers of America | Helena, MT

    Overview: "We Haul Wholesome" at Dairy Farmers of America - the leading milk marketing cooperative and dairy food processor within the United States. Our d... more

    6 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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