Truck drivers in California make on average about $48,000 to $103,000 per year, depending on experience, type of driving, and location within the state.
Salary Ranges and Averages
- The average salary often cited is around $48,000 to $55,000 per year for a typical truck driver in California, with entry-level salaries starting near $40,000 annually.
- Higher averages closer to $90,000 to $103,000 per year appear in some reports, likely reflecting experienced drivers, those with CDL licenses, or specialized driving jobs.
- Per hour, truck drivers typically earn about $24 to $27, with some variation based on job type and seniority.
Salary Variation by City and Experience
- Truck driver salaries vary by city in California, with places like Anaheim, San Francisco, and San Diego offering some of the highest pay, reaching up to over $140,000 annually for top earners.
- Entry-level drivers can expect lower pay, generally starting around $40,000 to $50,000 annually, while experienced and specialized drivers may earn upwards of $65,000 to over $100,000 yearly.
Influencing Factors
- Pay depends on factors like driving type (local, regional, long haul), company size, union affiliation, and the cost of living in the area.
- Owner-operators or drivers working for large companies may have different earning potentials, often higher but with increased responsibilities and costs.
In summary, truck driver earnings in California generally range from about $40,000 for entry-level up to $100,000+ for highly experienced or specialized roles, with an average commonly reported near $50,000 to $55,000 per year. High-demand urban areas tend to pay more. This range reflects varying reports but gives a solid picture of the compensation landscape for truck drivers in California as of 2025.
