Average Salary Of Truck Drivers In the USA By State & CDL Type

Truck driving is one of the hottest jobs in the US, which offers you regular income, travel opportunities, and job security. Many people wonder how much money truck drivers make in a year, and if you also want to know that, then this blog is for you.

It provides an overview of the average truck driver salary in different US states and CDL licenses. Reading it will let you know what to expect in your driving job. This knowledge will also help you choose the right path for your career, be it local driving or long-haul driving.

CDL Types and Average Salary

Before we head to compare salaries, it’s important to know the difference between CDL types. In California and across the U.S., there are mainly three types of Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL) - Class A, Class B, and Class C. Let’s see them one by one. 

Class A CDL

With a Class A CDL license, you get to drive large and heavy combination vehicles like tractor-trailers, flatbeds, livestock carriers, or big tankers. Some really advanced skills are required in these driving jobs and thus the Class A CDL drivers earn the highest salaries in the trucking industry.

Class B CDL

You mainly handle single vehicles in the Class B license, such as buses, delivery trucks, dump trucks, or construction vehicles. They are usually working on city routes, school bus routes, or passenger service buses.

Class C CDL

A Class C CDL is for smaller commercial vehicles carrying hazardous materials or passengers. It generally pays less than Class A or B jobs due to the vehicle size and driving range.

Average Truck Driver Salary by CDL Type (National Overview)

Here’s a general overview of the average salary of different CDL classes in the U.S. (based on 2025 estimates):

CDL Type	Average Salary	Common Job Roles
Class A	$60K to $95K	Tanker drivers, long-route drivers, flatbed drivers, freight operators, interstate drivers, etc.
Class B	$45K to $70K	Bus drivers, local delivery drivers, dump truck operators, cement mixer drivers, tow truck drivers, and other construction/ service vehicle operators.
Class C	$35K and $55K	Passenger shuttle drivers, small hazmat material drivers, van drivers, airport transportation drivers, etc.

Latest US Truck Driver Salaries by States in 2025

Following is a table comprising the average truck driver’s salary of different US states in 2025. 

State	Average Annual Income	Notes
California	$68K to $95K	Strong demand for jobs, higher cost of living
Texas	$60K to $90K	Major freight hub with uniform routes
Florida	$55K to $80K	Growing logistics and port traffic
New York	$65K to $92K	Competitive pay, urban driving
Illinois	$58K to $85K	Central U.S. shipping center
Nevada	$57K to $82K	Regional and cross-state hauls
Arizona	$56K to $83K	Constant demand for freight and bus drivers
Oregon	$59K to $88K	Balanced long and short hauls
Georgia	$55K to $84K	Rapidly growing logistics sector

What are the top 5 Factors that Affect Truck Driver Salaries

Five of the most important factors that affect truck drivers' salaries are: 

1. Experience Level: New CDL drivers begin with lower wages, but their salaries increase as they gain experience and reputation in the market.
2. Type of Freight or Vehicle: Drivers with hazardous material (HazMat), refrigerated freight, or heavy load trucks are usually paid more.
3. Route Distance: Long-haul route drivers are paid more than the local or regional drivers due to longer work hours. 
4. Endorsements: Hazmat (H), Tanker (N), or Doubles/Triples (T), etc, endorsements greatly affect the earning potential of CDL drivers.
5. Employer and Benefits: Company drivers earn less per mile but receive major other benefits like health insurance, bonuses, or paid time off. Many owner-operators earn more but they have to bear higher expenses as well.

How CDL Training Helps You Earn More

The fundamental component of a prosperous driving profession in the United States requires high-quality CDL training. In it, students study safe commercial vehicle handling, DOT standards, safety compliance, and strategies for backing, turning, and coupling. Both the Class A and Class B CDL exams require these abilities.

They also receive preparation for endorsements that can increase earning potential. You should do your CDL training from a trusted truck driving school like Fremount in Hayward, CA. This not only helps you pass your CDL exam but also improves your job placement opportunities with reputable carriers. 

Conclusion

One of the most exciting and responsible jobs in America is driving a truck. You can find a reliable, well-paying employment anywhere in the nation if you have done the correct CDL training. At Fremont, we help you begin your path to becoming a professional driver in the US. Our knowledgeable instructors, modern fleet, and practical approach ensure that you achieve your desired success. Take the first step toward an amazing trucking career in the US by enrolling in our CDL Training Courses. To learn more about our programs, please visit us at Whitesell Street, Hayward, CA, or contact us online. Our customer care is available for you 24/7.