How much does a CDL Driver make?
CDL drivers make a competitive salary. The average yearly income for these drivers is $76,147. This figure can vary based on several factors, including experience and location. Many CDL drivers enjoy a stable and rewarding career with the potential for growth.
The salary for CDL drivers can range widely. The lowest-paid drivers earn around $30,000 annually, while the highest-paid earn over $150,000 each year. Most drivers fall in the middle, with salaries between $62,727 and $84,545. This wide range offers opportunities for advancement and higher earnings as drivers gain experience and expertise. Companies often reward skilled drivers with better pay and additional benefits.
What are the highest paying cities for a CDL Driver?

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Brownsville, TX
Average Salary: $115,948
Working in Brownsville offers a unique blend of city life and outdoor activities. Opportunities exist with local transport firms and major companies. The warm climate and friendly community make it a pleasant place to work.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $111,894
San Francisco's dynamic environment offers many driving jobs. Major firms like FedEx and UPS provide stable career paths. The city's diverse landscape presents exciting routes and challenges for professional drivers.
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Miami, FL
Average Salary: $109,194
Miami's vibrant atmosphere attracts many drivers. Companies like Ryder and Penske offer great positions. The city's bustling streets and scenic drives make each day interesting and engaging.
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Fort Myers, FL
Average Salary: $107,725
In Fort Myers, the job market for drivers is growing. Opportunities with companies like Schneider and Estes Express Lines are available. The city's beautiful beaches and warm weather provide a pleasant work environment.
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Tampa, FL
Average Salary: $105,726
Tampa is a hub for logistics and transportation. Many jobs are available with national companies such as J.B. Hunt Transport Services. The city's diverse industries offer varied and interesting driving routes.
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Lakeland, FL
Average Salary: $101,841
Lakeland offers a stable job market for drivers. Opportunities with companies like Swift Transportation and Landstar System are available. The area's mix of urban and rural routes provides a balanced work experience.
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Virginia Beach, VA
Average Salary: $101,785
Virginia Beach provides many job opportunities for drivers. Companies like ABF Freight and Old Dominion Freight Line offer excellent positions. The scenic coastal routes and vibrant city life make driving here enjoyable.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $101,749
In Washington, DC, drivers find many job opportunities with firms like Werner Enterprises and Estes Express Lines. The city's unique layout presents interesting routes and challenges for professional drivers.
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Las Cruces, NM
Average Salary: $98,823
Las Cruces offers a tranquil work environment for drivers. Opportunities with companies like J.B. Hunt and ABF Freight are available. The city's beautiful desert landscapes and mild climate make it a pleasant place to work.
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Gainesville, FL
Average Salary: $98,206
Gainesville provides a growing job market for drivers. Companies like XPO Logistics and Estes Express Lines offer good positions. The city's vibrant college atmosphere and scenic routes create an engaging work experience.
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What are the best companies a CDL Driver can work for?

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Tennessee Steel Haulers
Average Salary: $312,000
Tennessee Steel Haulers offers one of the highest salaries for CDL Driver jobs. The company specializes in transporting steel products within the Southeastern United States. It operates in Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. Drivers enjoy excellent benefits, regular pay, and frequent home time.
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Beemac Trucking, LLC
Average Salary: $269,470
Beemac Trucking, LLC provides competitive pay for CDL Drivers. It focuses on delivering dry van freight across the Eastern United States. The company has hubs in Pennsylvania and New York, ensuring plenty of job opportunities. Beemac values its drivers and offers a supportive work environment.
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WTI TRANSPORT
Average Salary: $260,000
WTI TRANSPORT is known for its attractive salaries for CDL Drivers. It transports bulk goods and materials across various locations in the U.S. The company values safety and driver satisfaction, providing good benefits and frequent home time.
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JLE Industries
Average Salary: $260,000
JLE Industries offers a top salary for CDL Drivers. The company specializes in transporting construction materials and equipment across the Eastern United States. With a focus on driver safety and satisfaction, it provides excellent benefits and competitive pay.
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JAMM Transportation, LLC
Average Salary: $254,800
JAMM Transportation, LLC pays its CDL Drivers well. It focuses on hauling agricultural products in the Midwest. Operating in states such as Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa, it ensures ample job opportunities. The company values its drivers and offers good benefits.
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Empower formerly Niagara Cerebral Palsy
Average Salary: $200,617
Empower, formerly Niagara Cerebral Palsy, offers a strong salary for CDL Drivers. It provides transportation services for individuals with disabilities. The company operates in New York and Pennsylvania, focusing on creating a supportive work environment. Drivers enjoy good benefits and regular home time.
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One Cargo
Average Salary: $181,874
One Cargo pays its CDL Drivers well. It specializes in intermodal freight transport across the United States. The company has several locations, offering plenty of job opportunities. One Cargo values its drivers, providing a supportive work environment and good benefits.
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Golding Transport
Average Salary: $162,356
Golding Transport offers a competitive salary for CDL Drivers. It focuses on hauling dry van freight across the country. With several locations, it provides ample job opportunities. The company values safety and driver satisfaction, offering good benefits.
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Trans Global Express, Inc
Average Salary: $159,467
Trans Global Express, Inc, offers a good salary for CDL Drivers. It specializes in transporting express freight across the United States. The company values its drivers and offers a supportive work environment, with good benefits and frequent home time.
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PAM Transport
Average Salary: $159,142
PAM Transport provides a solid salary for CDL Drivers. It specializes in hauling intermodal freight across the Eastern United States. With several locations, it offers plenty of job opportunities. PAM Transport values its drivers, offering good benefits and a supportive work environment.
How to earn more as a CDL Driver?
Becoming a CDL driver opens up many opportunities to earn more. By focusing on specific areas, drivers can increase their income. Below are factors that can help boost earnings as a CDL driver.
First, drivers should consider driving for companies that offer good pay. Research different companies to find those known for fair wages. A higher base pay can lead to more income over time. Next, working extra hours or overtime can increase earnings. This means driving more shifts or taking on additional routes. Be mindful of fatigue and safety when adding hours. Another way to earn more is to specialize in high-demand areas. For example, driving for hazardous materials or oversized loads often pays more. Gaining the necessary certifications for these areas can make a driver more valuable. Also, achieving higher endorsements can lead to better pay. Endorsements such as passenger transport or double/triple trailers often come with higher wages. Lastly, maintaining a clean driving record helps in earning more. Avoiding accidents and traffic violations can keep a driver in good standing with employers.
In summary, by focusing on these factors, CDL drivers can find ways to earn more. Researching companies, working extra hours, specializing, gaining endorsements, and keeping a clean record can all lead to higher earnings.
- Research companies for fair wages
- Work extra hours or overtime
- Specialize in high-demand areas
- Gain higher endorsements
- Maintain a clean driving record



