Updated May 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Chico, California (May 2026)
In Chico, California as of May 2026, the average weekly CDL pay is $2,315 with a median of $1,900. Both figures are computed against currently-active job postings, not historical surveys. Based on 611 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 31% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,154. 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 May 2026
We just started tracking monthly changes for this view. Check back next month to see how rankings have shifted.
How Chico, California compares to California
| Chico, California | California | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,315 | $2,381 | -3% |
| Pet-friendly fleets | 70% | 63% | +7 pt |
| Riders-allowed policies | 66% | 59% | +7 pt |
| Take-truck-home | 81% | 76% | +5 pt |
| OTR (long-haul) routes | 86% | 76% | +10 pt |
| Local routes | 0% | 9% | -9 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, May 2026
Among the figures above, OTR (long-haul) routes is where Chico, California differs most from California — 10 points above statewide.
How CDL pay breaks down in Chico, California
Across active CDL postings in Chico, 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) | $1,635 | $1,600 | 291 |
| Independent Contractor (1099) | $2,350 | $2,150 | 200 |
| Owner Operator | $7,407 | $7,500 | 120 |
Source: Lanefinder index, May 2026
Lane mix and benefits across Chico, California
The route mix in Chico, California this month tilts OTR: 12% regional, 86% OTR, 0% local, 2% semi-local — drawn from active postings, not historical surveys.
Across Chico, California CDL postings: 2% with guaranteed pay, 34% dedicated, 81% take-truck-home, 70% pet-friendly, 66% riders-allowed.
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 Chico, California
- Best owner-operator companies in Chico, California
- CDL driver salary in California
The methodology behind the rankings
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 May 2026.