CDL Truck Driver Salary.
Across 83 U.S. cities.
$60,000
national median salary
$46,000 to $78,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$82,000
San Jose, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$63,000
Raleigh, NC
Lowest Paying
$46,000
Charleston, WV
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average CDL Truck Driver salary in the United States is $60,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $46,000 at the 25th percentile to $78,000 at the 75th. San Jose pays the most at $82,000, while Raleigh offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Hauling specialization creates the largest pay differences.
CDL Truck Driver salary by city
Skills that increase CDL Truck Driver pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for CDL Truck Drivers based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $8,400 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$8,400 per year
≈ +$7,800 per year
≈ +$7,200 per year
≈ +$6,600 per year
≈ +$6,600 per year
≈ +$6,000 per year
≈ +$6,000 per year
≈ +$5,400 per year
What you should know
Hauling specialization creates the largest pay differences. Tanker, hazmat, and oversized load endorsements add 15 to 25% over dry van rates. Owner-operators can earn significantly more but assume fuel, maintenance, and insurance costs. Long-haul OTR drivers earn more per mile than regional or local drivers, but local drivers often earn competitive annual totals with better home time.
New CDL holders start at $40,000 to $48,000 with a training carrier. Experienced drivers earn $46,000 to $68,000 after two to three years. Specialized haulers earn $65,000 to $85,000, while owner-operators gross $150,000 to $250,000 with net income of $70,000 to $120,000 after expenses.
Per diem payments of $50 to $70 daily for OTR drivers reduce taxable income significantly. Sign-on bonuses of $5,000 to $15,000 are common during driver shortages. Many carriers provide health insurance, 401k matching, and paid home time after specified weeks on the road.