How much does a CDL Driver make?
CDL drivers have a rewarding career with a competitive salary. The average yearly salary for a CDL driver is around $78,352. This figure can vary based on experience, location, and the type of cargo transported. Many CDL drivers find that their earnings increase with more experience and specialized skills.
The salary range for CDL drivers can be quite broad. The lowest 10% earn about $30,000 per year, while the top 10% earn over $148,000. This wide range shows that there are many opportunities for growth and higher earnings. Factors like working in a high-demand area or having a clean driving record can also boost a driver's salary.
What are the highest paying cities for a CDL Driver?

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Brownsville, TX
Average Salary: $118,294
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 for those in the industry.
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Tampa, FL
Average Salary: $105,822
Tampa's port and logistics sector make it a great place for drivers. Firms such as USF Holland operate here, offering diverse routes. The warm weather and sunny days add to the appeal of working here.
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Miami, FL
Average Salary: $105,781
Miami's vibrant economy offers many driving jobs. Companies like Ryder and C.R. England run frequent routes. The city's diverse culture and scenic routes make the job enjoyable.
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Fort Myers, FL
Average Salary: $103,167
Fort Myers provides a mix of local and regional routes. Companies like Schneider and Estes Express Lines offer good opportunities. The pleasant weather and beautiful beaches add to the lifestyle here.
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Lakeland, FL
Average Salary: $102,661
Lakeland's central location makes it ideal for distribution routes. Companies like Landstar System and J.B. Hunt offer many jobs. The city's growing business scene provides good career growth.
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Lubbock, TX
Average Salary: $100,770
Lubbock offers a mix of agricultural and commercial routes. Firms like Swift Transportation and J.B. Hunt are prominent here. The city's friendly atmosphere and wide-open spaces are a big plus.
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Orlando, FL
Average Salary: $98,443
Orlando's tourism industry creates many driving jobs. Companies like XPO Logistics and UPS run frequent routes. The city's attractions and vibrant nightlife make commuting enjoyable.
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Augusta, GA
Average Salary: $98,373
Augusta offers a mix of local and long-haul routes. Companies like Werner Enterprises and C.R. England provide many opportunities. The city's rich history and southern charm add to the experience.
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Gainesville, FL
Average Salary: $97,418
Gainesville's university presence creates many driving jobs. Companies like AAA Cooper and J.B. Hunt offer good opportunities. The city's cultural events and parks make it a pleasant place to work.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $97,346
San Francisco's tech industry offers many driving jobs. Companies like UPS and XPO Logistics run frequent routes. The city's scenic routes and vibrant culture make the job interesting.
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What are the best companies a CDL Driver can work for?

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Zero Max Inc
Average Salary: $586,000
Zero Max Inc offers competitive salaries for CDL Drivers. They operate in various locations, providing opportunities for both local and long-haul driving. Their fleet is modern, and they focus on safety and driver satisfaction.
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Evans Delivery Company
Average Salary: $416,000
Evans Delivery Company provides good pay for CDL Drivers. They have a strong presence in the Midwest, offering routes that cover multiple states. The company values its drivers and offers benefits like health insurance and retirement plans.
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BEEMAC TRUCKING
Average Salary: $338,000
BEEMAC TRUCKING offers a solid salary for CDL Drivers. They operate in the Northeast, providing both regional and long-haul routes. The company emphasizes safety and offers training programs to help drivers succeed.
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Page Transportation & Page E.T.C.
Average Salary: $305,867
Page Transportation & Page E.T.C. provide good pay for CDL Drivers. They have a wide network across the country, offering various driving opportunities. The company focuses on driver safety and offers competitive benefits.
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WTI TRANSPORT
Average Salary: $260,000
WTI TRANSPORT offers a decent salary for CDL Drivers. They operate in the Southeast, providing routes that cover multiple states. The company values its drivers and offers benefits like health insurance and paid time off.
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JAMM Transportation, LLC
Average Salary: $259,146
JAMM Transportation, LLC provides good pay for CDL Drivers. They have a strong presence in the Midwest, offering both regional and long-haul routes. The company emphasizes safety and offers training programs to help drivers succeed.
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Beemac Trucking, LLC
Average Salary: $255,347
Beemac Trucking, LLC offers a competitive salary for CDL Drivers. They operate in the Northeast, providing routes that cover multiple states. The company focuses on driver safety and offers benefits like health insurance and retirement plans.
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West Motor Freight
Average Salary: $234,000
West Motor Freight offers a good salary for CDL Drivers. They operate in the Midwest, providing both regional and long-haul routes. The company values its drivers and offers benefits like health insurance and paid time off.
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Tennessee Steel Haulers
Average Salary: $213,200
Tennessee Steel Haulers provides a decent salary for CDL Drivers. They operate in the Southeast, offering routes that cover multiple states. The company focuses on driver safety and offers benefits like health insurance and retirement plans.
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Empower formerly Niagara Cerebral Palsy
Average Salary: $204,136
Empower formerly Niagara Cerebral Palsy offers a good salary for CDL Drivers. They operate in the Northeast, providing routes that cover multiple states. The company values its drivers and offers benefits like health insurance and paid time off.
How to earn more as a CDL Driver?
Becoming a CDL driver opens many doors for earning a good income. CDL drivers have the opportunity to earn more by taking certain steps. These steps can help increase earnings and job satisfaction. One way to earn more is to gain experience and build a strong work history. Employers often pay more to drivers with more experience.
Another way to earn more is to specialize in a specific type of freight or cargo. Drivers who specialize in hazardous materials, for example, can earn higher wages. Specialized drivers often have more opportunities for higher-paying jobs. Here are some factors that can help CDL drivers earn more:
- Experience: Gaining more experience can lead to higher pay.
- Specialization: Specializing in certain types of freight can increase earnings.
- Certifications: Obtaining additional certifications can make a driver more valuable.
- Company: Working for a company that offers competitive pay can increase earnings.
- Location: Driving in areas with higher demand for CDL drivers can lead to better pay.



