Updated November 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Hawthorne, California (November 2026)
Hawthorne, California CDL drivers: $2,198 average weekly pay, $1,838 median (November 2026). Based on 706 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 32% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,091. 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
- Postings offering pets allowed fell from 64% to 62%.
Hawthorne, California CDL salary by hiring type
Across active CDL postings in Hawthorne, 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) | $1,603 | $1,550 | 353 |
| Independent Contractor (1099) | $2,370 | $2,237 | 241 |
| Owner Operator | $7,429 | $7,700 | 112 |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
How drivers spend their time on the road in Hawthorne, California
Of active CDL postings in Hawthorne, California this month, 13% are regional and 78% are OTR (long-haul). Local and semi-local routes account for the remaining 9%.
Across Hawthorne, California CDL postings: 2% with guaranteed pay, 37% dedicated, 75% take-truck-home, 62% pet-friendly, 60% riders-allowed.
Hawthorne, California vs California: the numbers that diverge
| Hawthorne, California | California | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,198 | $2,270 | -3% |
| Dedicated routes | 37% | 32% | +5 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
Among the figures above, dedicated routes is where Hawthorne, California differs most from California — 5 points above 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 Hawthorne, California
- Best owner-operator companies in Hawthorne, California
- CDL driver salary in California
Where this data comes from
Compensation, FMCSA safety, benefits, and operational performance — weighted 30, 25, 25, and 20 percent respectively. Compensation extends beyond headline pay to include sign-on bonus tier and settlement cadence. Benefits scoring differs by hiring type because the perks that matter to a W2 driver and a contractor are not the same. Updated November 2026.