New CDL drivers can find current Class A regional jobs offering about $1,200–$1,400 per week, although beginner pay varies by employer, route, experience, and training status. A current Class A regional job listing that welcomes new CDL graduates advertises $1,200–$1,400 per week after the applicable training period, while trainee pay may be lower during the first few weeks.
Salary example based on a current published CDL job listing. Actual compensation varies by employer, location, route, experience, training status, and performance.
If you’re starting a trucking career, one of the first questions you may have is: How much do CDL drivers make a week?
There isn’t one weekly salary that applies to every CDL driver. Your earnings can vary based on the type of CDL you hold, the kind of freight you haul, your route, your experience, your employer, and the way you are paid.
For new drivers, current job listings show that competitive weekly pay is possible after completing required training and meeting employer requirements. However, some companies use a lower trainee rate while a new driver works with an experienced driver before moving into a regular solo position.
If you’re still deciding where to start, explore our CDL training programs to learn more about your training options.
How Much Do New CDL Drivers Make Per Week?
A current example of an entry-level Class A regional opportunity lists $1,200–$1,400 per week and specifically welcomes new CDL graduates. The listing also states that drivers with limited experience may complete a training period with a trainer and receive a lower trainee rate during that period.
This is an example of what a new CDL driver may find in the job market—not a guaranteed salary for every beginner.
Your actual weekly earnings can depend on:
- Whether you are still in a trainee period
- Local, regional, or OTR routes
- Miles driven
- Employer and freight type
- Pay-per-mile, hourly, or salary structure
- Experience and driving record
- Eligible bonuses
- Additional CDL endorsements
For broader information about commercial driver employment and wages, you can also review current occupational information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Keep in mind that general occupational wage data should not be interpreted as a guaranteed salary for a brand-new CDL driver.
What Can Different CDL Driving Jobs Pay?
There is no reliable nationwide weekly salary range that applies equally to every local, regional, OTR, or team-driving position. Instead, compare the compensation structure of the specific jobs you are considering.
| CDL Driving Type | What Can Affect Weekly Pay |
|---|---|
| Local CDL Driver | Hourly rate, route volume, overtime, and home time |
| Regional CDL Driver | Miles, route length, freight, and home-time schedule |
| OTR Driver | Mileage, dispatch volume, route distance, and time away from home |
| Team Driving | Shared miles, team compensation structure, and employer |
These categories should be used as general comparisons rather than fixed salary ranges because CDL compensation varies between employers and individual jobs.
What Can New CDL Drivers Earn During Training?
Your first weeks as a commercial driver may not look the same as your regular solo-driving pay.
Some employers place new drivers into a supervised training period before assigning them their own truck or regular route. For example, a current Class A regional listing for new CDL graduates advertises a lower trainee rate during a 4–6 week training period before the driver moves into the regular compensation structure.
Another entry-level regional listing also shows a separate training rate before the driver moves into its advertised weekly compensation range.
This is why new drivers should look at the entire compensation structure, not just the headline weekly salary.
Before accepting a job, ask:
- How long is the training period?
- What is the trainee pay?
- When does regular driver pay begin?
- Is training paid?
- Is orientation paid?
- How is regular pay calculated?
- Are bonuses separate from base compensation?
- How often are drivers paid?
For information about federal entry-level driver training requirements, review the FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training information.
Factors That Affect CDL Driver Pay
Several factors can influence how much you earn as a CDL driver.
CDL License Type
Your CDL class can affect which jobs you qualify for.
Drivers with a CDL Class A license can qualify for combination-vehicle jobs that may include regional, OTR, and freight-hauling positions.
Class B drivers can also pursue commercial driving careers in areas such as local delivery, construction, passenger transportation, and other qualifying jobs.
The best CDL type for you depends on the type of vehicle and career you want to pursue.
If you are comparing CDL options before starting training, explore the available CDL training programs.
Experience Level
Experience can affect both the jobs available to you and the compensation employers offer.
New drivers may initially enter a training or supervised-driving period. As you build experience, maintain a safe driving record, and become eligible for additional positions, you may have access to more job opportunities.
Route Type
Your route can have a significant effect on both earnings and lifestyle.
- Local: Usually provides more frequent home time and may use hourly or daily pay structures.
- Regional: Covers a larger geographic area while generally providing more regular home time than long-haul work.
- OTR: Involves longer-distance transportation and can involve more time away from home.
Higher weekly pay isn’t necessarily the only factor to consider. A slightly lower-paying job with better home time may be a better fit for some drivers.
Endorsements
Additional CDL endorsements can expand the types of jobs you can pursue.
Depending on the job, endorsements such as Hazmat, Tanker, Passenger, or other applicable endorsements may help qualify you for specialized positions.
If you want to learn more about available endorsement options and training, see our CDL endorsement program.
An endorsement does not automatically guarantee higher pay. Its value depends on employer demand, job requirements, location, and the type of freight or vehicle involved.
Geographic Location
Driver compensation can also vary by location because employers, freight demand, operating costs, and available routes differ between regions.
If you’re comparing CDL jobs, look at actual job postings in the areas where you’re willing to work rather than relying on one nationwide salary figure.
How Are CDL Drivers Paid?
Before accepting a trucking job, understand how the employer calculates your pay.
| Pay Structure | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Per-Mile Pay | Drivers are paid according to eligible miles driven |
| Hourly Pay | Drivers receive an hourly rate, common in some local and delivery positions |
| Weekly Salary | Drivers receive a set weekly amount under the employer’s compensation terms |
| Percentage Pay | Compensation is based on an agreed percentage of eligible freight revenue |
| Bonus Pay | Additional compensation may be available for qualifying performance, safety, or other conditions |
Some jobs combine multiple forms of compensation. For example, a driver may receive mileage pay plus stop pay or qualifying bonuses.
Always review the complete compensation package instead of comparing weekly salary alone.
What Should New CDL Drivers Expect After CDL School?
Finishing CDL school is an important step, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you immediately start earning the full advertised driver rate.
Depending on the employer, a new driver may complete additional orientation, onboarding, or supervised training before operating independently.
During this period, you may learn:
- Vehicle inspection procedures
- Backing and maneuvering
- Trip planning
- Hours-of-service procedures
- Log and documentation requirements
- Freight and delivery procedures
- Safe highway and city driving
- Employer-specific operating procedures
Federal entry-level driver training requirements may also apply depending on the CDL or endorsement you are obtaining. Check the FMCSA’s current ELDT requirements for the applicable requirements.
This means you should compare trainee pay, training length, regular pay, and home time when evaluating your first CDL job.
Expenses New CDL Drivers Should Plan For
Earning potential is only one part of starting a CDL career. New drivers should also understand the costs involved in obtaining and maintaining their CDL.
Potential expenses can include:
- CDL school tuition
- Licensing and testing fees
- DOT physical examination
- Transportation or lodging during training
- Meals and personal expenses
- Required documentation or certifications
Some employers offer paid training, orientation pay, tuition reimbursement, or other programs that can reduce the upfront financial burden.
Before enrolling in a program or accepting a job, understand exactly which costs you are responsible for.
How Can New CDL Drivers Increase Their Earning Potential?
Your first CDL job is often the beginning of your career rather than the final destination.
As you gain experience, you may become eligible for different types of driving positions, including specialized freight, regional routes, dedicated accounts, or other higher-paying opportunities.
You can potentially improve your career options by:
- Building a safe driving record
- Gaining experience with different equipment
- Researching specialized CDL positions
- Adding relevant endorsements
- Comparing compensation packages from multiple employers
- Looking beyond weekly pay to evaluate benefits and home time
If you’re specifically looking for higher-paying opportunities, read our guide to [high-paying CDL jobs]([INSERT HIGH-PAYING-JOBS-ARTICLE-URL]) for another look at career options and earning potential.
New CDL Driver Pay: What Should You Look For in a Job?
Don’t choose your first CDL job based only on the largest weekly number in a job advertisement.
Before accepting an offer, compare:
- Trainee pay
- Regular weekly or mileage pay
- Training duration
- Average weekly miles
- Home-time schedule
- Bonuses and additional compensation
- Benefits
- Experience requirements
- Type of freight
- Opportunities for advancement
For example, a job advertising $1,400 per week may not necessarily be a better fit than a $1,200-per-week position if the second job offers better home time, paid training, or a more suitable route.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do CDL drivers make a week as beginners?
New CDL drivers do not all earn the same weekly amount. A current Class A regional job listing that welcomes new CDL graduates advertises $1,200–$1,400 per week after the applicable training period, while trainee pay can be lower during the first several weeks. Actual earnings depend on the employer, route, experience, training status, and compensation structure.
Do CDL drivers get paid during training?
Some employers provide paid training or a separate trainee rate, while others may structure compensation differently. Always confirm the training pay and when regular driver compensation begins before accepting a position.
Which CDL jobs pay the most for beginners?
There is no single CDL job type that guarantees the highest starting pay. Regional and OTR Class A positions can offer competitive compensation, but actual earnings depend on the employer, route, mileage, training period, and other compensation terms.
Can endorsements increase CDL driver pay?
Additional endorsements can expand the types of CDL jobs you qualify for and may open access to specialized positions. However, an endorsement does not automatically guarantee higher pay. Compensation depends on the specific job, employer, location, and qualifications required.
How quickly can someone start earning after CDL school?
The timeline varies by employer and hiring process. After completing CDL school and obtaining the required license, a new driver may still need to complete orientation, onboarding, or employer-specific training before beginning regular solo driving.
Is Class A CDL pay higher than Class B CDL pay?
Not necessarily in every situation. Class A CDL holders can qualify for a broader range of combination-vehicle driving jobs, but actual compensation depends on the job, route, employer, experience, and other requirements.
What should I look for in my first CDL job?
Look beyond the advertised weekly pay. Compare trainee pay, regular compensation, mileage, home time, benefits, training requirements, route type, and opportunities for advancement before accepting your first CDL driving position.
Start Your CDL Career With the Right Training
A CDL can open the door to a wide range of commercial driving careers, but your first job is only one part of the bigger picture.
Understanding how driver pay works can help you make a better decision about your training, CDL class, endorsements, and first employer.
If you’re ready to begin your CDL journey, explore our CDL training programs and learn more about the training options available through 2020 CDL Training.
