National average
$60,000
$29.50 per hour
Main/Salary
Updated May 28, 2026
CDL Salary Calculator 2026
Compare CDL truck driver salary by state, route type, experience level, hourly pay, annual pay, and per-mile rates before applying to a carrier.
Typical per-mile range
$0.45 - $0.85
Depends on freight and experience
Highest earning paths
Owner-operator
Team, tanker, HazMat, and flatbed also trend higher
CDL pay by state
State salary table data helps drivers compare annual pay, hourly pay, entry-level pay, experienced pay, and cost-of-living adjusted earnings. Use it with real job postings, not as a guaranteed offer.
| State | Average annual | Hourly | Experienced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $52,800 | $25.38 | $63,000 |
| Alaska | $64,500 | $31.01 | $75,000 |
| Arizona | $58,200 | $27.98 | $69,500 |
| Arkansas | $51,200 | $24.62 | $61,000 |
| California | $68,500 | $32.93 | $81,000 |
| Colorado | $62,000 | $29.81 | $74,000 |
| Connecticut | $63,500 | $30.53 | $76,000 |
| Delaware | $59,800 | $28.75 | $71,500 |
| District of Columbia | $64,000 | $30.77 | $76,500 |
| Florida | $56,500 | $27.16 | $67,500 |
| Georgia | $57,200 | $27.50 | $68,500 |
| Hawaii | $61,500 | $29.57 | $73,500 |
| Idaho | $55,500 | $26.68 | $66,500 |
| Illinois | $63,800 | $30.67 | $76,500 |
CDL pay by job type
Owner-Operator
Average $120,000 per year
Range $80,000 - $200,000, about $1.50 - $3.50 per mile.
Independent contractors who own or lease their trucks. Highest earning potential but responsible for all operating costs, fuel, insurance, and maintenance. Net take-home after expenses typically $60K-$100K+.
Team Driving
Average $95,000 per year
Range $75,000 - $120,000, about $0.65 - $0.90 per mile.
Two drivers share a truck and alternate driving shifts, keeping the truck moving nearly 24/7. Premium pay for the demanding schedule and extended time away from home.
Tanker / HazMat
Average $82,000 per year
Range $62,000 - $120,000, about $0.60 - $0.86 per mile.
Hauling liquid or hazardous materials requires additional endorsements (Tanker, HazMat, or both). 15-35% pay premium over standard dry van reflects the specialized skills and risk involved.
Flatbed
Average $78,000 per year
Range $58,000 - $110,000, about $0.55 - $0.78 per mile.
Transporting oversized or heavy loads on open trailers. Requires tarping and securement skills. The physical work and load responsibility translate to higher pay.
Refrigerated (Reefer)
Average $72,000 per year
Range $55,000 - $90,000, about $0.55 - $0.78 per mile.
Temperature-controlled trailers hauling perishable goods. Tight delivery windows and temperature monitoring requirements earn a solid pay premium.
OTR Long Haul
Average $70,000 per year
Range $52,000 - $100,000, about $0.50 - $0.75 per mile.
Cross-country routes covering 2,000-3,000+ miles per week. Extended time away from home but consistent miles and bonus programs mean strong annual earnings.
LTL (Less-Than-Truckload)
Average $68,000 per year
Range $54,000 - $88,000.
Multiple pickups and deliveries per day for carriers like FedEx Freight, Old Dominion, or XPO. Often home daily with union benefits and overtime pay.
Dedicated
Average $64,000 per year
Range $50,000 - $82,000, about $0.50 - $0.70 per mile.
Assigned to a single customer or route. Predictable schedule, consistent miles, and regular home time make this a popular choice for experienced drivers.
Experience level salary ranges
Entry Level
0 - 1 year
$42,000 average
$36,000 - $50,000
Junior
1 - 3 years
$54,000 average
$45,000 - $64,000
Mid-Career
3 - 5 years
$64,000 average
$54,000 - $78,000
Senior
5 - 10 years
$75,000 average
$62,000 - $92,000
Veteran
10+ years
$88,000 average
$72,000 - $110,000
CDL salary FAQ
How much do CDL truck drivers make in 2026?
The national average CDL truck driver salary is about $60,000 per year, $29.50 per hour, or $0.45 to $0.85 per mile depending on route type, experience, endorsements, and freight.
Which CDL jobs usually pay the most?
Owner-operator, team driving, tanker, HazMat, and flatbed jobs usually offer higher gross pay than standard dry van or local delivery roles, but expenses, home time, and risk vary by job type.
How can a driver increase CDL pay?
Drivers can increase CDL pay by building clean experience, adding Tanker or HazMat endorsements, comparing route types, targeting higher-paying freight, keeping a safe record, and applying to carriers with transparent pay ranges.