Updated November 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Lakewood, California (November 2026)
Through November 2026, Lakewood, California CDL drivers earn $2,185 per week on average. The median is $1,800; the distribution by hiring type and the active-posting count both follow. Based on 723 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 32% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,130. 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
- median weekly pay fell by 2.1% ($1,838 → $1,800).
- Postings offering pets allowed fell from 64% to 62%.
What CDL drivers are earning across Lakewood, California
Across active CDL postings in Lakewood, 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) | $1,591 | $1,528 | 365 |
| Independent Contractor (1099) | $2,373 | $2,237 | 245 |
| Owner Operator | $7,451 | $7,700 | 113 |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
What Lakewood, California drivers actually run
The route mix in Lakewood, California this month tilts OTR: 13% regional, 77% OTR, 7% local, 2% semi-local — drawn from active postings, not historical surveys.
Across Lakewood, California CDL postings: 2% with guaranteed pay, 37% dedicated, 74% take-truck-home, 62% pet-friendly, 60% riders-allowed.
Where Lakewood, California differs from the California baseline
| Lakewood, California | California | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,185 | $2,270 | -4% |
| Dedicated routes | 37% | 32% | +5 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
Among the figures above, dedicated routes is where Lakewood, 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 Lakewood, California
- Best owner-operator companies in Lakewood, California
- CDL driver salary in California
How we compile these rankings
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.