Updated November 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Pacifica, California (November 2026)
Pacifica, California's CDL drivers earn $2,282 per week on average, $1,900 median, as of November 2026. Based on 633 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 32% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,118. 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 2.6% ($1,950 → $1,900).
- average sign-on bonus fell by 1.4% ($2,148 → $2,118).
Pacifica, California CDL salary by hiring type
Across active CDL postings in Pacifica, 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) | $1,651 | $1,600 | 304 |
| Independent Contractor (1099) | $2,434 | $2,287 | 219 |
| Owner Operator | $7,470 | $7,750 | 110 |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
Lane mix and benefits across Pacifica, California
The route mix in Pacifica, California this month tilts OTR: 13% regional, 85% OTR, 2% local, 1% semi-local — drawn from active postings, not historical surveys.
Across Pacifica, California CDL postings: 2% with guaranteed pay, 36% dedicated, 79% take-truck-home, 66% pet-friendly, 63% riders-allowed.
Pacifica, California vs California: the numbers that diverge
| Pacifica, California | California | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| OTR (long-haul) routes | 85% | 76% | +9 pt |
| Local routes | 2% | 9% | -7 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
Pacifica, California's biggest divergence from California is on OTR (long-haul) routes, 9 points above 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 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 Pacifica, California
- Best owner-operator companies in Pacifica, California
- CDL driver salary in California
Where this data comes from
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 November 2026.