Trucking Jobs in California

Many key industries in California rely on truck drivers to transport goods. For example, with more than 25 million acres of land in the state dedicated to farming and ranching, truck drivers are crucial for helping the agricultural industry get the product to market.

Truckers also support California’s booming tech and electronics market by delivering component parts to manufacturers and hauling the final product to distributors.
If you’re looking for a stable career with plenty of opportunities, few professions are as in demand as trucking. Learn how much truck driving jobs in California pay, which companies are hiring, and what license you need.

How Much Do Truck Drivers Make in CA?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the mean wage for California truck drivers in 2020 was $51,400 per year or $24.71 per hour.

Trucking jobs in California can pay well in both metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas with the following average salaries:

• Bakersfield: $43,980
• Eastern Sierra, Mother Lode Region: $46,890
• El Centro: $47,990
• Fresno: $48,190
• Los Angeles, Long Beach, Anaheim: $50,180
• Napa: $53,130
• North Coast Region: $56,230
• North Valley, Northern Mountains Region: $47,380
• Riverside, San Bernardino, Ontario: $53,190
• Sacramento, Roseville, Arden-Arcade: $53,830
• San Diego, Carlsbad: $51,300
• San Francisco, Oakland, Hayward: $57,790
• San Jose, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara: $57,130

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Truck Driving Job Growth in CA

The BLS expects trucking jobs in the U.S. to grow by 2% through 2029. Although this rate is slower than the average job growth for all occupations, it only takes into account the number of new jobs added—not open or unfulfilled roles.

In other words, the industry will add an estimated 30,600 new trucking jobs by 2029. However, the actual number of job openings will be much greater because the 2% doesn’t reflect the number of drivers who leave the trucking profession due to retirement, or job openings that are currently going unfilled.

Trucking Companies Hiring in California

Most major job boards list a variety of truck driving jobs in California. Below are examples of some recently posted job titles and salaries for drivers based in California.

Shultz Transportation — Sacramento, CA

• Jobs: OTR, Reefer
• Pay: $70,000 – $100,000 per year

Aco Logistics Inc. — Chino, CA

• Jobs: Long Haul Driver, Local Driver
• Pay: $8,000 – $10,000 per month

Elite Anywhere Corporation — Indio, CA

• Jobs: Home Furniture Delivery
• Pay: $160 – $300 per day

Carvana — Sacramento, CA

• Jobs: Vehicle Transport
• Pay: $55,000 – $75,000 per year

Estes Express Lines — San Bernardino, CA

• Jobs: Local Truck Driver
• Pay: $71,300 – $80,500 per year

ProDrivers — Visalia, CA

• Jobs: Auto Parts/Materials Hauler
• Pay: $21 per hour

How to Get a Truck Driving Job in California

To become a truck driver in California, you must first meet the age requirements. To drive intrastate (California only), you have to be 18 or older. If you drive across state lines (interstate) or haul hazardous materials or waste (HAZMAT), you need to be at least 21 years old.

You also need a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to get trucking jobs in California. Here’s how to get your CDL and find a truck driver job.

Step 1: Decide What Class of Commercial Driver License You Need

California has three CDL classes:

Commercial Class A (CDL A)
You need this CDL to drive a semi-tractor-trailer combo. Class A is for operating a combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more and pulling a trailer with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of over 10,000 pounds.

Commercial Class B (CDL B)
This category is for driving a vehicle with a GVWR of 26,000 pounds or more that doesn’t pull a trailer, pulls a trailer with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less, or has three axles and weighs more than 6,000 pounds.

Commercial Class C (CDL C)
This CDL classification is for driving Class C vehicles that transport hazardous materials or are passenger or tank vehicles.

Step 2: Go to a Reputable CDL Training Program in California

Unlike professions that require years of costly training, you can complete CDL training in a few weeks. It’s not overly expensive, and some companies may even offer to pay for it.

CDL training has two parts:

• Classroom training involves studying the California CDL Handbook and taking practice tests so you can get your learner’s permit.
• Hands-on training is when you learn how to do trip inspections, proper trailer coupling and uncoupling, and how to drive the truck.

Beginning February 7, 2022, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will require entry-level commercial drivers to attend CDL training from a provider listed in the Training Provider Registry.

A list of reputable CDL training schools in California can help you get the training you need.

Step 3: Pass Your CDL Knowledge and Skills Exam

Once you complete the classroom portion, you can take the exam (along with any CDL endorsements) at a California DMV location. Before you go, make sure you meet all of California’s CDL requirements.

Step 4. Apply to Your First California Trucking Jobs

Many companies are hiring for new truck driver jobs in California. Learn about some of the biggest trucking companies and browse current job listings.

Truck Driver Resources in California

Below are some state-specific resources that can help you launch and succeed in your trucking career.

California Department of Motor Vehicles provides general information on licensing, registering, and regulating vehicles

California DMV Commercial Driver’s Licenses Information Page and Handbook gives detailed information on applying for a CDL, classes and certifications, safety regulations, and more

California Trucking Association is the biggest trade association for trucking in California

Western States Trucking Association is an independent, nonprofit association

Harbor Trucking Association represents carriers servicing the west coast ports, including California

Regional private Facebook groups such as Southern California Truck Drivers USA and So-Cal Trucker Group provide connection opportunities for truck drivers

Truck Driving Jobs Near Me

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