Updated May 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Livermore, California (May 2026)
Livermore, California CDL drivers average $2,261 per week, median $1,825, as of May 2026. Pay varies meaningfully by hiring type — the breakdown by W2, owner-op, and 1099 is below. Based on 653 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 31% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,176. 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 CDL pay breaks down in Livermore, California
Across active CDL postings in Livermore, 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) | $1,601 | $1,530 | 333 |
| Independent Contractor (1099) | $2,365 | $2,150 | 198 |
| Owner Operator | $7,472 | $7,500 | 122 |
Source: Lanefinder index, May 2026
Lane mix and benefits across Livermore, California
13% of Livermore, California's active CDL postings are regional and 81% are OTR; local plus semi-local accounts for the rest (6%).
Guaranteed pay is on offer at 1% of Livermore, California postings; dedicated routes at 34%; take-truck-home at 78%. Pet-friendly policies appear at 66% and riders-allowed at 63%.
Livermore, California vs California: the numbers that diverge
| Livermore, California | California | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,261 | $2,381 | -5% |
| Local routes | 4% | 9% | -5 pt |
| OTR (long-haul) routes | 81% | 76% | +5 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, May 2026
Livermore, California's biggest divergence from California is on average weekly pay, 5% below the state baseline.
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 Livermore, California
- Best owner-operator companies in Livermore, California
- CDL driver salary in California
The methodology behind the rankings
Rankings combine four signals: compensation (30%) including pay percentile, sign-on bonuses, guaranteed pay, and settlement frequency; FMCSA safety (25%); benefits (25%) scored differently for W2 vs owner-operator carriers; and operational performance (20%) measuring employer responsiveness and fleet scale. Recomputed monthly from real active job postings. Updated May 2026.