How much does a CDL Driver make?
CDL drivers play a crucial role in the transportation industry. They transport goods across the country, ensuring that businesses and consumers receive what they need. The average yearly salary for a CDL driver is around $78,844. This figure can vary based on experience, location, and the type of cargo being transported.
The salary range for CDL drivers is quite broad. Some drivers earn around $30,000 per year, while others can make over $200,000. The highest-paid drivers often have more experience and specialize in transporting high-value or hazardous materials. Factors like company size, route length, and overtime pay also affect earnings.
What are the highest paying cities for a CDL Driver?

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Brownsville, TX
Average Salary: $119,483
In Brownsville, drivers enjoy a mix of local and long-haul routes. Companies like Rio Grande Valley Transport offer stable work. The city's growing economy provides good opportunities.
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Miami, FL
Average Salary: $104,331
Miami offers a vibrant job market with many logistics companies. Drivers can find routes through diverse areas. The city's busy ports create steady work.
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Augusta, GA
Average Salary: $103,538
Augusta provides a mix of urban and rural driving. Companies like CSX Transportation offer reliable work. The city's logistics sector supports a steady job flow.
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Tampa, FL
Average Salary: $103,374
Tampa's port and industry make it a great place for drivers. Companies like Schneider offer many routes. The city's economy ensures plenty of work.
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Lubbock, TX
Average Salary: $101,022
Lubbock offers a mix of local and long-haul driving. Companies like J.B. Hunt Transport provide good opportunities. The city's logistics sector is strong.
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Fort Myers, FL
Average Salary: $100,102
Fort Myers offers scenic routes and a warm climate. Companies like Estes Express Lines provide steady work. The city's growing economy supports job growth.
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Lakeland, FL
Average Salary: $99,894
Lakeland offers a mix of rural and urban driving. Companies like Landstar System offer many routes. The city's logistics sector is expanding.
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Lexington, KY
Average Salary: $96,666
Lexington offers a mix of local and long-haul routes. Companies like Old Dominion Freight Line provide good opportunities. The city's economy supports steady work.
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Gainesville, FL
Average Salary: $96,516
Gainesville offers a mix of university and city routes. Companies like Swift Transportation provide many opportunities. The city's growing economy supports job growth.
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Orlando, FL
Average Salary: $95,901
Orlando offers a mix of tourist and local routes. Companies like UPS offer many routes. The city's busy tourism sector ensures plenty of work.
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What are the best companies a CDL Driver can work for?

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Zero Max Inc
Average Salary: $650,000
Zero Max Inc offers CDL Driver jobs with competitive pay. They operate in various locations across the country, providing opportunities for drivers to travel and earn.
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Evans Delivery Company
Average Salary: $416,000
Evans Delivery Company provides CDL Driver jobs with a strong salary. They serve multiple states, offering drivers a chance to work in different regions and gain valuable experience.
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Page Transportation & Page E.T.C.
Average Salary: $312,000
Page Transportation & Page E.T.C. offer CDL Driver positions with a good salary. They operate in several locations, providing drivers with diverse routes and job opportunities.
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WTI TRANSPORT
Average Salary: $260,000
WTI TRANSPORT provides CDL Driver jobs with a solid salary. They serve multiple states, offering drivers a chance to travel and work in various locations.
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West Motor Freight
Average Salary: $234,000
West Motor Freight offers CDL Driver jobs with a decent salary. They operate in several locations, providing drivers with opportunities to travel and gain experience.
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JAMM Transportation, LLC
Average Salary: $230,893
JAMM Transportation, LLC provides CDL Driver jobs with a competitive salary. They serve multiple states, offering drivers a chance to work in different regions and gain valuable experience.
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Empower formerly Niagara Cerebral Palsy
Average Salary: $204,136
Empower formerly Niagara Cerebral Palsy offers CDL Driver jobs with a good salary. They operate in several locations, providing drivers with diverse routes and job opportunities.
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One Cargo
Average Salary: $185,000
One Cargo provides CDL Driver jobs with a solid salary. They serve multiple states, offering drivers a chance to travel and work in various locations.
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JLE Industries
Average Salary: $174,510
JLE Industries offers CDL Driver jobs with a decent salary. They operate in several locations, providing drivers with opportunities to travel and gain experience.
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CLS
Average Salary: $160,954
CLS provides CDL Driver jobs with a competitive salary. They serve multiple states, offering drivers a chance to work in different regions and gain valuable experience.
How to earn more as a CDL Driver?
Becoming a CDL driver opens many doors for earning a good income. CDL drivers have many opportunities to increase their earnings. Focusing on the right strategies can lead to higher pay. Here are some ways to earn more as a CDL driver.
First, gaining experience can lead to higher pay. Experienced drivers often have more opportunities for higher-paying jobs. They can also negotiate better wages. Second, specializing in a niche can increase earnings. Drivers who focus on areas like hazardous materials or long-haul trucking can command higher rates. Third, maintaining a clean driving record helps. Fewer accidents and violations can lead to better job opportunities. Fourth, working for the right company matters. Some companies offer higher pay and better benefits. Finally, investing in additional certifications can boost income. Certifications in areas like safety or logistics can make a driver more valuable.
By focusing on these areas, CDL drivers can increase their earnings. Taking steps to gain experience, specialize, and maintain a good record can lead to higher pay. Choosing the right company and getting extra certifications can also make a big difference.
- Gain experience
- Specialize in a niche
- Maintain a clean driving record
- Work for the right company
- Invest in additional certifications