Updated November 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Brentwood, California (November 2026)
As of November 2026, CDL drivers in Brentwood, California are earning a weekly average of $2,261 (median $1,850). Based on 679 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 32% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,159. 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 November 2026
- average sign-on bonus fell by 1.4% ($2,190 → $2,159).
- Postings offering pets allowed fell from 67% to 65%.
Brentwood, California CDL salary by hiring type
Across active CDL postings in Brentwood, 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) | $1,608 | $1,550 | 342 |
| Independent Contractor (1099) | $2,418 | $2,250 | 224 |
| Owner Operator | $7,476 | $7,750 | 113 |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
Lane mix and benefits across Brentwood, California
Of active CDL postings in Brentwood, California this month, 14% are regional and 81% are OTR (long-haul). Local and semi-local routes account for the remaining 5%.
Across Brentwood, California CDL postings: 2% with guaranteed pay, 35% dedicated, 77% take-truck-home, 65% pet-friendly, 62% riders-allowed.
How Brentwood, California compares to California
| Brentwood, California | California | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local routes | 4% | 9% | -5 pt |
| OTR (long-haul) routes | 81% | 76% | +5 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
Among the figures above, local routes is where Brentwood, California differs most from California — 5 points below statewide.
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 emissions rules are the strictest in the US, so engine year and compliance matter for fleet work — if you're owner-op, check current CARB rules before buying a truck. Drayage out of LA / Long Beach and warehouse-rotation work in the Inland Empire pay above the national average, but cost of living is brutal. The mountain passes (Grapevine, Donner, plus high winds on Cajon) 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 Brentwood, California
- Best owner-operator companies in Brentwood, California
- CDL driver salary in California
Where this data comes from
The score is built from four buckets. Thirty percent compensation, drawn from real active job postings and modified by bonus and settlement structure. Twenty-five percent safety, from FMCSA SAFER. Twenty-five percent benefits, scored hiring-type-aware. Twenty percent operational performance, drawn from how carriers actually behave toward applicants. Updated November 2026.