How much does a CDL Driver make?
CDL drivers often enjoy competitive pay, especially with experience and skill. The average yearly salary for these professionals is around $75,150. It's common for earnings to increase with experience and specialization. Entry-level drivers might start lower, while experienced and specialized drivers see higher earnings.
Here’s how salaries break down across different experience levels:
- The lowest 10% earn about $29,560 per year.
- About 25% earn between $40,109 and $61,207 annually.
- The middle 50% earn between $61,207 and $92,855 yearly.
- The top 10% earn upwards of $113,953 annually.
What are the highest paying cities for a CDL Driver?

-
Brownsville, TX
Average Salary: $116,479
In Brownsville, Texas, driving a commercial vehicle offers a stable career path. Companies like Schneider and J.B. Hunt Transport often seek drivers. The city's growing economy provides ample opportunities.
Find CDL Driver jobs in Brownsville, TX
-
San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $113,779
Driving in San Francisco, California, comes with a dynamic work environment. Companies such as Penske and GXO Logistics are prominent employers. The city's diverse landscape offers unique driving experiences.
Find CDL Driver jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
Miami, FL
Average Salary: $111,435
In Miami, Florida, a career as a driver promises vibrant city streets and busy ports. Employers like Ryder and FedEx Express hire regularly. The area's tourism industry adds to the job variety.
Find CDL Driver jobs in Miami, FL
-
Tampa, FL
Average Salary: $106,814
Tampa, Florida, provides a bustling environment for drivers. Companies such as U.S. Xpress and Swift Transport create many job openings. The city’s logistics sector supports a steady demand for skilled drivers.
Find CDL Driver jobs in Tampa, FL
-
Fort Myers, FL
Average Salary: $105,679
In Fort Myers, Florida, driving means navigating scenic routes. Companies like Landstar System and Knight Transportation often recruit drivers. The area’s warm climate adds to the job appeal.
Find CDL Driver jobs in Fort Myers, FL
-
Virginia Beach, VA
Average Salary: $101,387
In Virginia Beach, Virginia, driving offers both coastal views and steady work. Companies like Old Dominion Freight Line and J.B. Hunt Transport seek qualified drivers. The area’s growing businesses provide numerous opportunities.
Find CDL Driver jobs in Virginia Beach, VA
-
Washington, DC
Average Salary: $101,118
In Washington, D.C., driving provides a mix of urban and government routes. Companies such as Swift Transportation and Werner Enterprises offer many positions. The city's infrastructure supports a diverse range of driving jobs.
Find CDL Driver jobs in Washington, DC
-
Lakeland, FL
Average Salary: $100,416
Lakeland, Florida, offers a mix of suburban and rural driving routes. Employers like Landstar System and Covenant Transport frequently hire drivers. The area’s agricultural sector creates a steady need for transportation services.
Find CDL Driver jobs in Lakeland, FL
-
McAllen, TX
Average Salary: $99,540
In McAllen, Texas, driving combines urban and rural routes. Companies such as C.R. England and Covenant Transport provide employment opportunities. The city's agricultural industry supports a high demand for drivers.
Find CDL Driver jobs in McAllen, TX
-
Gainesville, FL
Average Salary: $98,905
Gainesville, Florida, offers a blend of city and university routes. Employers like J.B. Hunt Transport and Landstar System hire frequently. The area’s educational institutions add to the job market's diversity.
Find CDL Driver jobs in Gainesville, FL
What are the best companies a CDL Driver can work for?

-
Outlaw Trucking
Average Salary: $338,000
Outlaw Trucking offers CDL Driver jobs with competitive pay. They provide roles for drivers across the United States. Locations include major cities like Dallas, Los Angeles, and New York.
-
Tennessee Steel Haulers
Average Salary: $312,000
Tennessee Steel Haulers pays its CDL Drivers well. They focus on transporting steel products. The company operates mainly in the southeastern United States, with key locations in Tennessee and Kentucky.
-
Beemac Trucking, LLC
Average Salary: $269,750
Beemac Trucking, LLC offers lucrative salaries for CDL Drivers. They transport a variety of goods. Their operations span across the Midwest, with a strong presence in Illinois and Indiana.
-
WTI TRANSPORT
Average Salary: $260,000
WTI TRANSPORT provides CDL Driver jobs with a strong salary. They specialize in transporting bulk materials. The company operates across the eastern United States, including states like Ohio and Pennsylvania.
-
JLE Industries
Average Salary: $260,000
JLE Industries offers competitive pay for CDL Drivers. They focus on transporting agricultural products. Their operations cover several western states, including California and Washington.
-
Transco Lines, Inc
Average Salary: $220,000
Transco Lines, Inc, offers well-paying CDL Driver jobs. They specialize in flatbed and specialized transport. The company operates nationwide, with major hubs in Texas and Florida.
-
SDR Group Inc
Average Salary: $208,000
SDR Group Inc provides good salaries for CDL Drivers. They focus on dry van and refrigerated transport. They have operations in the eastern United States, including major cities in New York and Pennsylvania.
-
P&S Transportation
Average Salary: $179,653
P&S Transportation offers CDL Driver jobs with a solid salary. They transport food and beverage products. The company operates across the Midwest, with key locations in Michigan and Ohio.
-
Golding Transport
Average Salary: $162,477
Golding Transport provides CDL Driver jobs with a competitive salary. They focus on dry van transport. They operate across the southeastern United States, with a strong presence in Georgia and South Carolina.
-
Trans Global Express, Inc
Average Salary: $161,850
Trans Global Express, Inc offers good salaries for CDL Drivers. They transport a variety of goods. Their operations are primarily in the southeastern United States, including states like North Carolina and Alabama.
How to earn more as a CDL Driver?
Increasing your earnings as a CDL driver involves several key strategies. It helps to know these factors and take steps toward achieving them. Doing so can lead to more job opportunities and higher pay.
Here are some important factors to consider:
- Gain experience: CDL drivers who have more experience often earn more. Work to gain as much experience as possible in different types of driving.
- Get specialized training: Additional training in areas like hazardous materials or passenger transport can lead to higher-paying jobs.
- Choose the right company: Some companies pay CDL drivers more than others. Research different companies and choose those that offer higher wages.
- Drive during peak times: Driving at times when demand is high, like holidays or weekends, can increase your pay.
- Maintain a good record: Keeping a clean driving record and good attendance can help you earn more over time.



