Updated November 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Rialto, California (November 2026)
Through November 2026, the average CDL driver in Rialto, California earns $2,211 per week (median $1,850). Based on 718 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 32% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,186. 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 1.3% ($2,215 → $2,186).
- Postings offering pets allowed fell from 66% to 64%.
What CDL drivers are earning across Rialto, California
Across active CDL postings in Rialto, 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) | $1,606 | $1,550 | 357 |
| Independent Contractor (1099) | $2,402 | $2,250 | 247 |
| Owner Operator | $7,450 | $7,750 | 114 |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
Lane mix and benefits across Rialto, California
Of active CDL postings in Rialto, California this month, 14% are regional and 79% are OTR (long-haul). Local and semi-local routes account for the remaining 7%.
Guaranteed pay is on offer at 2% of Rialto, California postings; dedicated routes at 36%; take-truck-home at 76%. Pet-friendly policies appear at 64% and riders-allowed at 62%.
Rialto, California vs California: the numbers that diverge
Among the figures above, average weekly pay is where Rialto, California differs most from California — 3% below 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 Rialto, California
- Best owner-operator companies in Rialto, California
- CDL driver salary in California
How we compile these rankings
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.