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If you are interested in pursuing a career in truck driving and getting a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), you may be curious about the earning potential of CDL drivers in California. California is a large and populous state with a thriving transportation industry, which means that CDL drivers are in high demand and often receive competitive salaries and benefits. In this article, we will take a closer look at CDL salary California, including the factors that can affect your earnings as a truck driver in the state.
Salary Range for CDL Drivers in California
CDL, or Commercial Driver’s License, is essential for those who are looking to pursue a career in the transportation industry. Becoming a CDL driver in California means you can find employment in various fields. The salary for CDL drivers in California can vary significantly depending on several factors. The following will give you a glimpse of the different aspects that might affect the salary range for CDL drivers in California:
Experience
The amount of experience you have as a CDL driver plays a big role in determining your salary. Generally, if you have a lot of experience in the field, then you can expect to earn more than somebody who is just starting their career in transportation. As a beginner, you can expect to make around $40,000 to $50,000 per annum. However, with more experience and skill, your salary can exceed $70,000 annually.
Type of License
The type of CDL license you hold also affects your salary. In California, three types of CDL licenses are available:
- Class A
- Class B
- Class C
Class A license holders earn the most since they can operate the most complex and heavy-duty vehicles. On the other hand, Class C drivers earn the least as they mainly operate smaller vehicles and are the lowest in the hierarchy.
Industry
Another factor that determines CDL salary is the industry in which you work. The trucking industry is vast, and there are several areas where a CDL driver can specialize. For instance, a tanker truck driver makes more than a garbage truck driver. Here are a few industries and their average salary range:
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver Average Salary: $54,700
- Delivery Truck Driver Average Salary: $37,500
- Tanker Truck Driver Average Salary: $63,800
- Grocery Store Delivery Driver Average Salary: $34,300
Location
The location of where you work also has a significant impact on the salary of a CDL driver. California is a massive state with many urban and rural areas, so the pay differs from region to region. For instance, drivers in San Francisco and Silicon Valley earn higher salaries compared to those in rural areas. Here is a list of some of the cities and their corresponding average salary for CDL drivers:
- San Diego – $43,400
- Los Angeles – $45,300
- San Francisco – $52,900
- Sacramento – $44,600
- Fresno – $47,300
Benefits
The benefits package offered by the employer also affects the salary of a CDL driver. Most employers offer medical and dental benefits, life insurance, and other perks for their employees. All of these should be factored in when considering the salary as it is a form of compensation.
Overtime
As a CDL driver, you may also qualify for overtime pay. The federal law mandates overtime pay for drivers who work beyond 40 hours a week. In California, the overtime rate is one and a half times the regular salary rate.
Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for CDL drivers is expected to grow by 5 percent from 2019-2029, which is faster than the average growth rate of other occupations. The transportation industry has always been and will continue to be a crucial component of the economy. Consequently, job opportunities for CDL drivers will continue to increase over time, and so will the salary.
Conclusion
If you want to pursue a career as a CDL driver in California, it is essential to take into account the factors that affect your salary range. Experience, type of license, industry, location, benefits, overtime pay, and job outlook are all essential elements you need to consider before diving into the profession.
What Are The Factors That Affect CDL Salary in California?
CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) drivers may earn different salaries in California based on several factors. In this section, we will take a closer look at some of the key factors that impact CDL salaries in California.
Experience
One of the most significant factors that affect CDL salaries is the driver’s level of experience. Generally, the more experience you have, the higher your salary will be. This is because experienced drivers often have better knowledge of the routes, rules, and regulations, and are more efficient in handling different driving conditions.
Location
Location is also an important factor that affects CDL salaries in California. The average salaries of CDL drivers vary depending on the area they work in. For example, drivers in metropolitan areas typically earn more than those in rural locations.
Company
The company you work for can also have a significant impact on your CDL salary. Some companies offer better pay packages than others due to several factors, such as the cargo they transport, their training programs, and employee benefits.
Type of Vehicle
The type of vehicle that CDL drivers operate also has an impact on their salaries. Drivers who operate larger, more specialized vehicles often earn more than those who operate smaller trucks or vans.
Education
Education also plays a role in determining CDL salaries in California. Drivers who have completed additional courses in driving and road safety may have more chances of earning higher salaries.
Certifications
Certifications also play a significant role in CDL salaries. Drivers who acquire additional certifications outside their CDL license, such as hazardous materials (HAZMAT) and tankers, can often earn more than those who do not have such certifications.
Working Hours
The hours of operation of a CDL driver can also affect their salary. Drivers who work more hours, including night and weekend shifts, may earn more than those who work fewer hours.
Driver Age
Age is another contributing factor that drives CDL salaries, as more experienced drivers often earn more than younger drivers.
Industry
The industry a CDL driver works in can also have an impact on their salary. For example, those who work in the transportation and logistics industry typically earn more than those in other industries such as manufacturing and construction.
Union Memberships
Union membership is yet another factor that can impact the salaries of CDL drivers. Union members typically earn more than those who do not belong to any union.
By understanding these factors influencing CDL salaries in California, drivers can make informed choices when selecting an employer and negotiate for better salaries based on their experience, education, and certifications.
Factors that Affect CDL Salary in California
1. Type of Commercial Driving Job
The salary for a commercial driver’s license (CDL) holder in California varies depending on the type of job they have. For example, a truck driver who hauls hazardous materials earns more than a truck driver who hauls general freight. The average salary for a hazardous materials driver in California is $63,000 per year, while drivers who haul general freight earn an average of $53,000 annually.
2. Years of Experience
As with most careers, experience is a significant factor when it comes to salary. Experienced CDL drivers tend to earn more money than new drivers with a CDL license. According to Payscale, the average salary for a CDL driver in California with five to nine years of experience is around $62,000 per year, while a driver with ten or more years of experience earns about $70,000 per year.
3. Local vs. Long Haul Jobs
The type of driving job you have can also affect your salary. Local drivers who drive within the state of California typically earn less than those who drive long-haul or across states. According to TruckDriverSalary.com, the average salary for a local driver in California is around $47,000 per year, while long-haul drivers earn an average of $70,000 per year.
4. Company Size
The size of the trucking company you work for can also impact your salary. Larger companies tend to have more resources and higher-paying job opportunities, while smaller companies offer more personal and flexible job schedules. According to Glassdoor, a larger trucking company like Schneider National pays their drivers an average of $73,000 per year, while a smaller company like Pacific Drayage Services pays an average of $49,000 per year.
5. Additional Qualifications
Having additional qualifications can also increase your salary as a CDL driver in California. For example, having endorsements such as hazardous materials, tanker, and doubles/triples can lead to higher-paying job opportunities. According to ZipRecruiter, having a hazardous materials endorsement can increase a driver’s salary by up to $10,000 per year.
| Endorsement | Average Salary Increase |
|---|---|
| Hazardous Materials | $10,000 |
| Tanker | $5,000 |
| Doubles/Triples | $3,500 |
Learn about the factors that affect CDL salaries in California with this CDL salary in California guide from TruckingTruth.
Wrap-Up
Thanks for stopping by to read this article about CDL salary in California. We hope that it has helped you to understand how much money you can expect to make in this state as a CDL driver. It’s important to keep in mind that salary isn’t the only factor to consider when choosing a career path, so make sure to do your research and think carefully about your priorities. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. And don’t forget to visit again soon for more useful content like this!