How much does a CDL make in Texas? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a CDL in Texas is $58,428 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $71,269
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $52,176 to $65,150
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $46,484

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): $43,282
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $48,379
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $57,028
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $58,714
  • Expert (over 8 years): $72,996
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Product Inspector I less than 1 year $43,282
Product Inspector II 1-2 years $48,379
CDL 2-4 years $57,028
Product Inspector IV 5-8 years $58,714
Product Quality Supervisor over 8 years $72,996

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:

  • Waka: $53,246
  • Hillsboro: $54,845
  • Austin: $59,309

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 $70,114 $34.0 20%
Pharmaceuticals $68,945 $33.0 18%
Insurance $67,192 $32.0 15%
Healthcare $65,439 $31.0 12%
Internet $64,855 $31.0 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
$52,176
Average $58,428/year
$65,150
$4,348
Average $4,869/month
$5,429
$1,003
Average $1,124/week
$1,253
$25
Average $28/hour
$31
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $65,150 $5,429 $1,253 $31
Average $58,428 $4,869 $1,124 $28
25th Percentile $52,176 $4,348 $1,003 $25

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.

  • Halvor Lines | Sulphur Springs, TX

    CDL

    Halvor Lines | Sulphur Springs, TX

    Halvor Lines is hiring CDL-A Flatbed Drivers for regional routes with weekly home time. Drive late-model, well-maintained equipment hauling flatbed freight... more

    5 Days Ago

  • PRIM | Converse, TX

    CDL

    PRIM | Converse, TX

    CDL-Laborer The CDL-Laborer at Primoris Services Corporation performs a variety of manual labor tasks, primarily supporting construction and utility projec... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Express Employment Professionals | Lufkin, TX

    CDL

    Express Employment Professionals | Lufkin, TX

    Job Full Description CDL Class A or Class B DriverPosition Summary: We are seeking a reliable and safety-conscious CDL Class A or Class B Driver to transpo... more

    6 Days Ago

  • AT Staffing | Lufkin, TX

    CDL

    AT Staffing | Lufkin, TX

    Job #: 200940 Title: CDL - Driver Location: Lufkin, TX Salary Range: $17.42 Position: Driver - CDL Description: LOOKING FOR LOCAL DRIVING AND TO BE HOME EV... more

    6 Days Ago

  • U.S. Venture | Converse, TX

    CDL

    U.S. Venture | Converse, TX

    Job Overview: Job Summary:** The CDL-Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating various commercial vehicles and heavy equipment to suppor... 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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