How Much Do CDL Jobs Pay?

When it comes to CDLs, most people think about long-haul semi-truck drivers. While they make up a good portion of CDL operators, there’s also many other jobs available to CDL holders, as well as a variety of careers within long-hauling. There are countless opportunities that open up to you when you acquire a CDL, including local deliveries and regular lanes with set schedules every day. Whether you’re looking to maximize your earnings or want to simply explore what various positions have to offer, we’ll go over a number of CDL jobs to cover what they are as well as how much you can expect to be paid. Going through New Sound CDL School in Fife, WA to get your CDL will provide you with the necessary skills and qualifications to take on a number of high-paying careers.

The average salaries provided for each job below were determined based on data gathered by ZipRecruiter from a wide number of job postings around Fife and across Washington state.

Class A CDL Careers

OTR Owner-Operator

Average Salary: $279,770 per year
An over-the-road (OTR) owner-operator is the sole owner of their own tractor-trailer who’s engaged in long haul loads. You are your own boss, typically handling long-haul trips that span multiple states. Unlike company drivers, you are responsible for your vehicle and its upkeep and repairs. These drivers can be on the road away from home for weeks at a time, with average trips lasting around three weeks. Beyond transporting cargo, you'll need to ensure compliance with traffic regulations, maintain logbooks, and stop at weigh stations as required. The annual salary is usually very high, but depends on how many trips you book throughout the year and what you’re hauling. It is typically the gross amount, so you’d need to subtract costs for fuel, truck maintenance, repairs, and the initial huge investment to purchase a tractor-trailer. This job is for those willing to take risks in order to receive dividends down the road.

Local Owner-Operator

Average Salary: $142,000 per year
These drivers often opt to drive locally in order to spend more time at home or to minimize the risks involved with long hauls. Local owner-operators focus on regional deliveries, typically within a specific state or nearby cities. You’ll still be responsible for maintaining your vehicle, planning delivery routes, and building client relationships. Sometimes, you may be required to help load or unload goods, but this is typically stated in the contract for each load, and most clients already provide their own warehouse staff. The main perk here is that you'll typically be home each night, making it ideal for those seeking a better work-life balance.

Leased Semi-Truck Driver

Average Salary: $117,771 per year
This option is available for those who are unable or unwilling to outright purchase their own tractor-trailer, but still want to operate and earn near that level. These drivers are in the process of purchasing their trucks through lease agreements. In this role, you handle the same duties as above, delivering loads safely and on schedule. During the lease period, your assigned jobs can come from the leasing company, but you’ll earn at a higher rate that’s more typical of owner-operators. You cover expenses like lease payments, fuel, insurance, and maintenance costs, gradually owning the truck over time. Of course, a lot of these finer details vary depending on the lease agreement and the company from which you lease.

Dedicated Semi-Truck Driver

Average Salary: $95,500-$100,000 per year
41% of Dedicated Drivers land within this salary range. They have consistent routes and a predictable schedule that simply revolves daily, weekly, or monthly, depending on their situation. Unlike OTR drivers, who have varying destinations, dedicated drivers transport goods between the same set of locations regularly. This stability makes the job appealing for those who prefer routine and being home more frequently. The salary doesn’t come with the same earning potential as un-dedicated work since those loads come at a premium due to the irregular nature of their schedules and routes.

Company Truck Driver

Average Salary: $62,319 per year
As a company truck driver, you are employed by a trucking company to transport freight using their vehicles. Your responsibilities include operating heavy-duty trucks, performing pre-trip inspections, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Unlike owner-operators, company drivers aren’t responsible for vehicle maintenance costs, which makes this a lower-risk entry into the trucking industry while still paying well.

Class B CDL Careers

OTR Box-Truck or Van Driver

Average Salary: $87,795 per year
These drivers handle long-distance cargo deliveries across the country, often spending weeks away from home. Responsibilities include picking up and delivering shipments safely, adhering to federal and state road regulations, and maintaining driving logs. Qualifications include a clean driving record, a CDL, and compliance with federal hours-of-service regulations.

Local Box-Truck or Van Driver

Average Salary: $71,376 per year
Local drivers focus on short-distance hauls, typically within a specific region or even just one city. These drivers typically enjoy the benefit of a consistent schedule, allowing them to return home daily. Duties usually include loading and unloading cargo, maintaining accurate delivery records, and handling customer interactions.

Transportation Driver

Average Salary: $44,950 per year
Transportation drivers work in various industries, moving passengers around cities or regions. Depending on the role, they might drive large buses or shuttle vans. This role requires excellent communication skills, punctuality, and compliance with safety regulations. There’s usually a lot of customer interaction involved as you’ll constantly be loading, unloading, and communicating with passengers throughout the day. There is a Passenger (P) endorsement you’ll be required to obtain in addition to the Class B CDL in order to perform this job.

How New Sound CDL Prepares You for Success

By understanding the different types of CDL driving jobs available, you can better choose a career path that aligns with your lifestyle and financial goals. Whether you’re interested in long-haul driving, local deliveries, or specialized freight, obtaining the right endorsements and gaining experience can significantly boost your earning potential. Pursuing a CDL is a big decision and a life-altering journey. At New Sound CDL, we want you to be fully aware of what to expect and which route to best take for your personal dreams and goals.

While the pay and opportunities in commercial driving are fairly significant, it’s crucial to have the right training to ensure that you succeed in whichever position you pursue. At New Sound CDL School, we proudly offer:

• Comprehensive Training: Our programs thoroughly prepare you to pass the CDL exam and enter into your new career with confidence. Our facility is outfitted with a training lot, practice vehicles, and modern classrooms with all of the tools necessary for you to experience premier hands-on training.
• Experienced Instructors: Our seasoned professionals bring decades of real-world experience to the classroom. They’re also trained instructors, so you’ll receive high-level teaching for the written portions and personal guidance through the driving aspects.
• Personalized Options: We have instructors fluent in Spanish, Russian, and Ukrainian to help those with English as a second language succeed through the technical challenges of the CDL exam. As well as that, we provide part-time classes to allow you the flexibility to complete your training while still working your current job.
• Job Placement Assistance: We work with top trucking companies in the industry to help our graduates secure high-paying jobs as soon as they complete our program.

Apply to Start Your CDL Career

Whether you’re interested in local delivery, specialized freight, or long-haul trucking, New Sound CDL School can unlock a world of lucrative job opportunities for you. Ready to take the first step? Contact us today to learn more about our programs, or apply now to get started on your journey toward a rewarding career in commercial driving.