Updated November 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Pasadena, California (November 2026)
Pasadena, California CDL drivers: $2,173 average weekly pay, $1,800 median (November 2026). Based on 729 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 32% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,135. 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 weekly pay fell by 1% ($2,196 → $2,173).
- median weekly pay fell by 2.7% ($1,850 → $1,800).
- Postings offering pets allowed fell from 64% to 62%.
Pasadena, California CDL salary by hiring type
Across active CDL postings in Pasadena, 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) | $1,595 | $1,530 | 369 |
| Independent Contractor (1099) | $2,368 | $2,225 | 246 |
| Owner Operator | $7,421 | $7,650 | 114 |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
How drivers spend their time on the road in Pasadena, California
The route mix in Pasadena, California this month tilts OTR: 13% regional, 77% OTR, 8% local, 2% semi-local — drawn from active postings, not historical surveys.
Guaranteed pay is on offer at 2% of Pasadena, California postings; dedicated routes at 37%; take-truck-home at 74%. Pet-friendly policies appear at 62% and riders-allowed at 60%.
Where Pasadena, California differs from the California baseline
| Pasadena, California | California | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,173 | $2,270 | -4% |
| Dedicated routes | 37% | 32% | +5 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
Pasadena, California's biggest divergence from California is on dedicated routes, 5 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 Pasadena, California
- Best owner-operator companies in Pasadena, California
- CDL driver salary in California
Where this data comes from
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 November 2026.