Truck Driver CDL Salary Guide 2026
Key Takeaways
- National median: $54,320; top 10% earn $77,720+; experienced LTL and specialized drivers earn $80K-$100K+
- Endorsements directly increase pay: hazmat +$0.05-$0.10/mile, tanker +$0.05-$0.08/mile
- LTL carriers (FedEx Freight, Old Dominion, XPO) pay the highest company driver wages: $80K-$100K+
- Geographic premiums: Northeast (+15-25%), California (+10-20%), energy states (TX, ND) during booms
- Owner-operators gross $200K-$350K but net $80K-$150K after truck payment, fuel, insurance, and maintenance
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