Updated November 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Highland, California (November 2026)
Through November 2026, the average CDL driver in Highland, California earns $2,219 per week (median $1,850). Based on 711 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 32% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,185. 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 1.2% ($2,212 → $2,185).
Highland, California CDL salary by hiring type
Across active CDL postings in Highland, 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 | $1,532 | 353 |
| Independent Contractor (1099) | $2,414 | $2,250 | 244 |
| Owner Operator | $7,450 | $7,750 | 114 |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
How drivers spend their time on the road in Highland, California
14% of Highland, California's active CDL postings are regional and 79% are OTR; local plus semi-local accounts for the rest (7%).
Guaranteed pay is on offer at 2% of Highland, California postings; dedicated routes at 36%; take-truck-home at 76%. Pet-friendly policies appear at 65% and riders-allowed at 62%.
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 Highland, California
- Best owner-operator companies in Highland, California
- CDL driver salary in California
Where this data comes from
Compensation (30%): pay percentile + sign-on bonus + guaranteed pay + settlement frequency. FMCSA safety (25%): weighted percentile across vehicle maintenance, unsafe driving, hours-of-service, driver fitness, and controlled substances. Benefits (25%): hiring-type-aware. Operational (20%): driver-application responsiveness, modulated by fleet scale. Updated November 2026.