Updated November 2026
CDL Driver Salary in San Rafael, California (November 2026)
As of November 2026, CDL drivers in San Rafael, California are earning a weekly average of $2,276 (median $1,900). Based on 637 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 32% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,110. 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% ($2,140 → $2,110).
San Rafael, California CDL salary by hiring type
Across active CDL postings in San Rafael, 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) | $1,648 | $1,600 | 309 |
| Independent Contractor (1099) | $2,428 | $2,275 | 218 |
| Owner Operator | $7,470 | $7,750 | 110 |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
What San Rafael, California drivers actually run
The route mix in San Rafael, California this month tilts OTR: 13% regional, 84% OTR, 2% local, 1% semi-local — drawn from active postings, not historical surveys.
Across San Rafael, California CDL postings: 2% with guaranteed pay, 36% dedicated, 78% take-truck-home, 66% pet-friendly, 63% riders-allowed.
How San Rafael, California compares to California
| San Rafael, California | California | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| OTR (long-haul) routes | 84% | 76% | +8 pt |
| Local routes | 2% | 9% | -7 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
San Rafael, California's biggest divergence from California is on OTR (long-haul) routes, 8 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 San Rafael, California
- Best owner-operator companies in San Rafael, California
- CDL driver salary in California
Where this data comes from
The composite score is 30% compensation, 25% FMCSA safety, 25% benefits, and 20% operational performance. Pay percentiles are computed against carriers currently hiring in each market; FMCSA percentiles come from SAFER and weight unsafe-driving and hours-of-service violations 2× heavier than the other three dimensions. Updated November 2026.