What Is a CDL Truck Driver Job?
A CDL truck driver job is a position in the trucking industry that requires a commercial driver’s license (CDL). This means that you must already have their CDL, or be far along enough in the process of earning it that you will have it at the start of employment. CDL trucks require special licenses for operation because of their bulk. Drivers must be able to maneuver these trucks for miles at a time, often in heavy traffic. The driver must be alert and follow all roadway safety regulations. They are responsible for such duties as loading and unloading heavy cargo, tracking their mileage, fuel, toll expenses, ensuring delivery, and maintaining their trucks. CDL truck drivers must legally take breaks, as their most important duty is to practice safe driving habits.
How to Become a CDL Truck Driver
There are some important steps you need to take to start your career as a CDL Truck Driver. For starters, you can enroll in a community college program, private driving school, or reach out to a transportation company that offers training. Once you have completed training, go to your state’s motor vehicle agency to earn your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). You need to provide the standard licensing documents, pass a vision test, take a knowledge exam and perform a road skills test. You also need be 18 years old to drive within your state and 21 years old to drive interstate. Once you have received your CDL, you can start searching for companies that need your driving skills.
What Are Different Types of CDLs?
There are three categories of CDL licenses: Class A, Class B, and Class C. Different jobs require different licensures. For example, according to the Department of Motor Vehicles, a Class A license means that the driver can operate vehicles and tow materials over 10,000 pounds. The other two licenses are Class B and Class C, and all are differentiated by weight. Each state has its own requisites for earning these licenses.
How much does a Cdl Truck Driver make?
As of Nov 26, 2024, the average weekly pay for a Cdl Truck Driver in the United States is $1,406 a week.
While ZipRecruiter is seeing weekly wages as high as $1,952 and as low as $683, the majority of Cdl Truck Driver wages currently range between $1,153 (25th percentile) to $1,663 (75th percentile) across the United States. The average pay range for a Cdl Truck Driver varies greatly (by as much as 509), which suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay based on skill level, location and years of experience.
Based on recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter, the Cdl Truck Driver job market in both Ha Kwai Chung, CN and throughout the entire state of is not very active as few companies are currently hiring. A Cdl Truck Driver in your area makes on average $0 per week, or $1,406 (1000.000%) less than the national average weekly salary of $1,406. ranks number 1 out of 50 states nationwide for Cdl Truck Driver salaries.
What are Top 10 Highest Paying Cities for Cdl Truck Driver Jobs
We’ve identified 10 cities where the typical salary for a Cdl Truck Driver job is above the national average. Topping the list is Soledad, CA, with Scotts Valley, CA and Cupertino, CA close behind in the second and third positions. Cupertino, CA beats the national average by 17098 (23.4%), and Soledad, CA furthers that trend with another 36275 (49.6%) above the $73,147 average.
With these 10 cities having average salaries higher than the national average, the opportunities for economic advancement by changing locations as a Cdl Truck Driver appears to be exceedingly fruitful.
However, another factor to consider is the average salary for these top ten cities varies modestly at 22% between Soledad, CA and Kilauea, HI, suggesting it may be difficult to see much positive wage advancement. The possibility of a lower cost of living may help determine the balance between location and salary for Cdl Truck Driver role.
| City | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soledad, CA | $109,422 | $9,118 | $2,104 | $52.61 |
| Scotts Valley, CA | $94,660 | $7,888 | $1,820 | $45.51 |
| Cupertino, CA | $90,245 | $7,520 | $1,735 | $43.39 |
| California City, CA | $89,711 | $7,475 | $1,725 | $43.13 |
| Mercer Island, WA | $89,586 | $7,465 | $1,722 | $43.07 |
| Berkeley, CA | $89,565 | $7,463 | $1,722 | $43.06 |
| Sitka, AK | $88,119 | $7,343 | $1,694 | $42.36 |
| South San Francisco, CA | $87,900 | $7,325 | $1,690 | $42.26 |
| Jewett, TX | $87,881 | $7,323 | $1,690 | $42.25 |
| Kilauea, HI | $87,673 | $7,306 | $1,686 | $42.15 |
What are Top 5 Best Paying Related Cdl Truck Driver Jobs in the U.S.
We found a few related jobs that pay more than jobs in the Cdl Truck Driver category.
For example Cdl Team Truck Driver jobs pay as much as $14,803 (20.2%) more than the average Cdl Truck Driver salary of $73,147.
| Job Title | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cdl Team Truck Driver | $87,950 | $7,329 | $1,691 | $42.28 |
| Class A Truck Driver | $79,239 | $6,603 | $1,523 | $38.10 |
| Line Haul Truck Driver | $71,951 | $5,995 | $1,383 | $34.59 |
| Company Truck Driver | $58,078 | $4,839 | $1,116 | $27.92 |
| Commercial Truck Driver | $53,448 | $4,454 | $1,027 | $25.70 |
