If you are considering earning your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or are already a professional driver evaluating your earning potential, you're likely asking one big question: how much do CDL drivers really make? It’s a fair and important question. 

Whether you're entering the industry for the first time or looking to boost your income with more experience, endorsements, or a change in freight type, understanding the full pay landscape can help you make informed decisions.

Current driver pay averages involve factors that influence salary, how pay structures work, and practical ways drivers are increasing their earnings today. 

The National Average: What CDL Drivers Are Earning in 2026

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers was $57,440 as of May 2024. 

Sources that compile salary data based on employee submissions and market surveys report  figures that serve as a general benchmark and include drivers across various sectors and experience levels. 

For instance, Glassdoor lists the national average pay for CDL drivers at around $69,582 per year, which includes base salary plus bonuses, incentives, and overtime. Zippia reports that the average CDL driver earns about $63,112 annually, or approximately $30 per hour, based on recent data from over 160,000 salary profiles.

Based on national data, verified job postings, and driver-submitted salary reviews, here’s what you can reasonably expect to earn in 2026:

• Entry-Level Drivers (0–2 years): $40,000 to $55,000 per year
• Mid-Level Drivers (3–5 years): $55,000 to $70,000 per year
• Experienced Drivers (5+ years): $70,000 to $90,000+
• Specialized or Endorsed Drivers: $85,000 to $120,000+
• Top Performing Owner Operators: $150,000+ net per year

While these numbers vary slightly depending on the source, most CDL drivers in the United States earn between $55,000 and $80,000 annually, with many experienced or specialized drivers exceeding that range.

Pride Transport Drivers Earn More Than the National Average

At Pride Transport, our pay packages are designed to reward professionalism, performance, and time on the road. Glassdoor reports show that the average Pride Transport company driver earns between $78,000 and $88,000 per year, while the top earners at Pride Transport earn over $100,000!

This means our average driver earns $10,000 to $20,000 more annually than the national average CDL driver, depending on experience and freight type.

With a mileage rate that reaches up to $0.75 per mile for qualified drivers, our pay model also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health coverage, paid time off, and a retirement savings plan with company contributions.

You don’t have to wait years to grow your income. We’re committed to helping high-performing drivers reach even higher earnings through consistent miles and performance-based incentives. 

Why Driver Pay Can Vary So Widely

The reason CDL driver pay ranges so broadly comes down to a combination of several key factors, from choosing between OTR or local trucking jobs, to where you live, experience, freight type, endorsements, and carrier pay structure.

One of the biggest influences on income is geographic location. Certain states and metro areas offer significantly higher wages than others, often due to a higher cost of living, dense freight corridors, or limited availability of drivers. ZipRecruiter’s CDL Driver Salary by State report shows that states like Washington, New York, and Massachusetts consistently pay above-average wages, sometimes exceeding $80,000 annually. In contrast, some Southern states such as West Virginia and Mississippi offer lower average wages, often falling in the $45,000 to $55,000 range.

Even within states, urban versus rural locations can impact pay due to route complexity, delivery demand, and competition among carriers.

Experience Pays Off: What Veteran Drivers Can Expect

Like most skilled professions, experience in trucking plays a critical role in your earning potential. Entry-level drivers, often within their first one to two years behind the wheel, tend to earn salaries closer to the low end of the national average. This typically means $40,000 to $55,000 per year, depending on the carrier and whether the driver runs regional or long-haul routes. Many of these newer drivers are still gaining seat time and building safe driving records.

However, drivers with five or more years of clean driving experience, strong on-time delivery performance, and added endorsements tend to see consistent pay increases over time. Experienced drivers regularly report annual earnings between $70,000 and $90,000, particularly if they’re hauling specialized freight or working for performance-incentive carriers.

Career drivers can climb the pay ladder steadily, with many seasoned professionals surpassing $90,000, especially when combining mileage pay with safety and performance bonuses.

Specialized Freight and Endorsements Make a Difference

If you’re looking to significantly increase your earnings as a CDL driver, moving into specialized freight is one of the best ways to do it. Loads that require additional skill, certifications, or safety protocols typically pay more per mile or offer higher percentages.

Drivers who transport hazardous materials, for example, are required to hold a hazmat endorsement and go through background checks. Because of the added risk and responsibility, they often earn a premium compared to general freight drivers.

Other high-paying areas include tanker driving, oversized loads, and refrigerated freight. The more niche or complex the freight, the more carriers are willing to pay drivers who are trained and certified to move it safely.

Adding endorsements like Tanker (N), Hazmat (H), or Doubles/Triples (T) can open doors to new opportunities and higher income brackets. According to multiple sources including Indeed, drivers with these certifications can out-earn general freight haulers by 10 to 25 percent.

Want to Earn More Behind the Wheel?

Earning top-tier pay in trucking isn’t just about getting your CDL. It’s about building experience, staying safe, upgrading your endorsements, and aligning with a carrier that values your work.

If you're looking for a company that offers competitive pay, consistent miles, and a culture of respect, Pride Transport might be the right fit for you. We’re proud to offer excellent pay packages, performance-based bonuses, and support that helps drivers succeed over the long haul. Drive for Pride. Apply today.