How much do CDL Truck Drivers Make?

We are going to discuss how much CDL truck drivers make and maximizing CDL Truck Driver pay. If you are here, it’s likely you are either an existing professional truck driver or exploring your options, so let’s jump in.

Before diving into the dollars and cents, let’s quickly touch on what a CDL is. CDL stands for Commercial Driver’s License, and it’s the key to driving those massive trucks you see on the highways. These licenses are categorized into Class A, B, and C, with Class A allowing you to drive the biggest of the bunch. It’s no surprise that the Class A CDL truck driver salary is often a hot topic of discussion and where we will be focusing in this article.

CDL Pay Components

So, what is the salary for a CDL truck driver? On average, entry level CDL truck drivers in the United States make between $35,000 and $50,000 annually with the overall median income around $57,000/annually. This range can vary based on several factors, including experience, endorsements, and the type of trailer you haul.

Cents Per Mile (CPM): Many drivers are paid by the mile, this payment method, known as “cents per mile,” means the more you drive, the more you earn. But keep in mind, sitting in traffic doesn’t pay!
Experience: Just like with any job, experience can significantly impact your salary. New drivers might start on the lower end of the pay scale $0.30 to $0.40 CPM, but as they gain miles and proficiency, their earning potential increases on average $0.55 to $0.75 CPM.
Endorsements: Endorsements are specialized qualifications added to a CDL with additional testing and training. The salary of a truck driver with endorsements is generally higher due to the additional responsibilities and risks involved.
- Hazmat (H): Transporting hazardous materials can be dangerous, but it also pays more. Typically HazMat endorsed drivers can make $0.02 to $0.04 CPM in addition to the offered CPM.
- Tanker (N): Allows you to drive tanker trucks, which, as mentioned, come with better pay. Average of $0.60 to $0.80 CPM.
- HazMat and Tanker (X): Allow you to driver tankers loaded with HazMat materials such as fuel. Average of $0.60 to $0.85 CPM.
- Doubles/Triples (T): Lets you pull two or three trailers at once—more trailers, more money due to a more specialized skill set! Average of $0.50 to $0.75 CPM.
Local and Regional: Location plays a big part in determining salary. Urban areas with a higher cost of living might offer higher wages, but they can also come with increased living expenses and traffic. These drivers can be paid hourly make $55,000 to $75,000 annually.
OTR, or Over-The-Road truckers, are the long-haul heroes who crisscross the country, often away from home for weeks at a time. These road warriors can earn more than their local counterparts, with salaries ranging from $60,000 to $75,000 per year. The trade-off? Long stretches away from family and friends. But for many, the call of the open road is worth it.

Not all trailers are created equal, and neither is their pay. Depending on the type of trailer you’re hauling, your pay can differ significantly. Here’s a quick rundown:

Dry Van: The most common and often the entry-level trailer type. Pay is on the lower end of the spectrum see average solo driver pay above.
Refrigerated (Reefer): Hauling temperature-sensitive goods is more technical, but it often comes with a slightly higher pay estimated between $0.02 to $0.04 additional CPM.
Flatbed: Requires special handling and securing of loads. Average pay is $0.50 to $0.60 CPM with bonuses for “tarping”.
Tanker: Hauling liquids is no easy task and usually commands even higher wages due to the skill, risk and endorsement involved (see Tanker endorsement above).

If you are looking for more information on truck driver salaries, you can check Indeed.

How much do CDL Team Truck Drivers make?

Understanding all of the elements above gives you a basic idea of team truck driver pay per mile. The difference between solo and team is just the difference between one or two drivers seated on a truck. You can read my article Team Truck Driving for more information.

What positions do we at Miles 2 Go Transport offer?

We at Miles 2 Go Transport (M2GT) are not only team drivers ourselves, we want our teams to feel valued. We offer our team drivers industry leading pay based on experience. Our exclusive contract with FedEx Custom Critical allows us to offer an active load board as well as opportunities for dedicated runs. HazMat / TWIC Card optional, so check out our How to Get a HazMat Endorsement and Understanding TWIC Card Requirements for Truck Drivers articles. If you are intrigued and want to learn more schedule a call with us and we will answer your questions.

-Update-

We do now have openings for solo Hazmat Drivers

Bringing it on home…

Whether you are a new or veteran driver I hope this article shed some light on the factors and pay options in the trucking industry and maybe a bit of information on why you might want to drive for us specifically. Over and Out.

If you enjoyed this article, please check out our other articles and stories in our blog.