verified BLS-Verified Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2025 release

CDL Truck Driver Salary in California

Median Annual in California
$60,230/yr
Median Hourly Wage
$28.96/hr
▲ 3% above U.S. median

Salary Distribution in California

groups Employed in CA
205,090
public U.S. Median
$58,640
savings Real pay (cost-adjusted)
$54,398 #50 of 51

CDL Truck Driver pay in California, explained

Truck drivers in California earn a median of $60,230 per year ($28.96 per hour), which is 3% above the national median of $58,640. Entry-level workers earn around $41,830, while the most experienced truck drivers reach about $81,960. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within California.

Is $60,230 good pay in California?

Adjusted for California's cost of living (which runs 111% of the U.S. average), that $60,230 is worth about $54,398 in national buying power — ranking California #50 for real pay (vs #19 on the sticker number).

See the full CDL Truck Driver Real Pay Index arrow_forward

CDL Truck Driver pay by experience in California

Entry level (10th pct)
$41,830
$20.11/hr
Median
Mid-career (50th pct)
$60,230
$28.96/hr
Experienced (90th pct)
$81,960
$39.40/hr

CDL Truck Driver pay in neighboring states

StateMedian / yrReal payvs CA
California (here) $60,230 $54,398
Nevada $62,290 $62,303 −$2,060
Oregon $61,980 $59,965 −$1,750
Arizona $58,080 $57,689 +$2,150

CDL Truck Driver in California: FAQ

How much do truck drivers make in California?

Truck drivers in California earn a median of $60,230 per year ($28.96 per hour), compared with $58,640 nationally.

Does California pay truck drivers well?

At $60,230, California pays 3% above the national median for truck drivers. An estimated 205,090 work in the state.

CDL Truck Driver salary in other states

All 51 states ranked arrow_forward

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