How much does a CDL make in New Jersey? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a CDL in New Jersey is $64,933 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $31.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $79,202
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $57,985 to $72,402
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $51,659

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): $48,099
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $53,762
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $63,377
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $75,686
  • Expert (over 8 years): $81,117
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Product Inspector I less than 1 year $48,099
Product Inspector II 1-2 years $53,762
CDL 2-4 years $63,377
Product Inspector IV 5-8 years $75,686
Product Quality Supervisor over 8 years $81,117

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:

  • Maywood: $68,032
  • Teterboro: $68,059
  • Alpine: $68,032

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 $77,919 $37.0 20%
Pharmaceuticals $76,621 $37.0 18%
Insurance $74,673 $36.0 15%
Healthcare $72,725 $35.0 12%
Internet $72,075 $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 September 01, 2026
$57,985
Average $64,933/year
$72,402
$4,832
Average $5,411/month
$6,034
$1,115
Average $1,249/week
$1,392
$28
Average $31/hour
$35
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $72,402 $6,034 $1,392 $35
Average $64,933 $5,411 $1,249 $31
25th Percentile $57,985 $4,832 $1,115 $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.

  • J.B. Hunt | Princeton, NJ

    CDL

    J.B. Hunt | Princeton, NJ

    Local Truck Driver Kutztown, PA Dedicated Contract Services POS 24733 Looking for dedicated truck driving jobs. J.B. Hunt is hiring local CDL-A drivers. Be... more

    9 Days Ago

  • Ecolab | Lumberton, NJ

    CDL

    Ecolab | Lumberton, NJ

    NALCO Water, an Ecolab Company, will be in search of a Customer Delivery Specialist to help expand their Fleet Operations and will be responsible for provi... more

    9 Days Ago

  • J&R Schugel | Trenton, NJ

    CDL

    J&R Schugel | Trenton, NJ

    Built to Chill. Driven in Blue. Powered by You.Where Refrigerated Freight Meets a Culture That Puts Drivers FirstAt J&R Schugel, we're more than a trucking... more

    9 Days Ago

  • LoneStar Transportation | Newark, NJ

    CDL

    LoneStar Transportation | Newark, NJ

    Hiring CDL-A Truck DriversBIG PAY, SERIOUS FREIGHT - Pros earn up to $150,000 per yearCLIMB THE PAY LADDER - Clear advancement paths to higher-paying loads... more

    9 Days Ago

  • Schneider | Toms River, NJ

    CDL

    Schneider | Toms River, NJ

    Tanker truck driverAverage pay:$1,220-$1,490 weeklyHome time:Every other weekExperience:All CDL holdersOverviewHaul 75% non-hazardous freight in tanker tra... more

    9 Days Ago

  • Forward | New Brunswick, NJ

    CDL

    Forward | New Brunswick, NJ

    Join Our Outstanding Team as a CDL-A Company Driver. If you are a passionate and experienced Class A OTR Company Driver seeking a dynamic work environment ... more

    9 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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