Updated July 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Brea, California (July 2026)
In Brea, California as of July 2026, the average weekly CDL pay is $2,177 with a median of $1,800. Both figures are computed against currently-active job postings, not historical surveys. Based on 710 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 32% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,125. California freight is dominated by the Port of LA / Long Beach complex, Central Valley agriculture, and the Inland Empire warehouse cluster along I-10 and I-15.
What changed in July 2026
We just started tracking monthly changes for this view. Check back next month to see how rankings have shifted.
Brea, California CDL salary by hiring type
Across active CDL postings in Brea, California this month, pay varies meaningfully by hiring type. The breakdown below shows the average and median weekly pay for each.
| Hiring type | Avg/wk | Median/wk | Active postings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,594 | $1,526 | 359 |
| Independent Contractor (1099) | $2,308 | $2,100 | 233 |
| Owner Operator | $7,565 | $7,750 | 118 |
Source: Lanefinder index, July 2026
Lane mix and benefits across Brea, California
12% of Brea, California's active CDL postings are regional and 78% are OTR; local plus semi-local accounts for the rest (10%).
Across Brea, California CDL postings: 2% with guaranteed pay, 36% dedicated, 75% take-truck-home, 64% pet-friendly, 61% riders-allowed.
Where Brea, California differs from the California baseline
| Brea, California | California | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,177 | $2,282 | -5% |
| Dedicated routes | 36% | 30% | +6 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, July 2026
The largest gap is on dedicated routes: Brea, California sits 6 points above the California baseline.
Driving CDL in California
California is one of the toughest states to drive CDL in the country, and one of the most lucrative for the right setup. CARB clean-truck enforcement is the most aggressive in the US, so newer equipment is effectively required for fleet work — if you're owner-op, plan the truck purchase around it. Drayage out of LA / Long Beach and warehouse-rotation work in the Inland Empire pay near the top of the national scale, but cost of living is brutal. The mountain passes (Cajon, Grapevine, Donner) add real winter complexity that most other Southwest lanes don't. Drivers with serious mountain experience earn it back.
Related guides
- Best trucking companies in Brea, California
- Best owner-operator companies in Brea, California
- CDL driver salary in California
Where this data comes from
Pay carriers against each other within the same market (30%). Layer a weighted FMCSA SAFER safety percentile on top (25%). Score the benefits package against what actually matters for the hiring type — W2 health/financial benefits or owner-op operational perks (25%). Finish with operational performance: responsiveness to driver applications plus fleet scale (20%). All percentiles are recomputed monthly. Updated July 2026.