Updated November 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Santa Monica, California (November 2026)
As of November 2026, CDL drivers in Santa Monica, California are earning a weekly average of $2,207 (median $1,850). Based on 704 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
- Postings offering pets allowed fell from 65% to 63%.
What CDL drivers are earning across Santa Monica, California
Across active CDL postings in Santa Monica, 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) | $1,609 | $1,550 | 348 |
| Independent Contractor (1099) | $2,372 | $2,250 | 244 |
| Owner Operator | $7,429 | $7,700 | 112 |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
How drivers spend their time on the road in Santa Monica, California
Of active CDL postings in Santa Monica, California this month, 13% are regional and 79% are OTR (long-haul). Local and semi-local routes account for the remaining 8%.
Guaranteed pay is on offer at 2% of Santa Monica, California postings; dedicated routes at 38%; take-truck-home at 76%. Pet-friendly policies appear at 63% and riders-allowed at 61%.
Santa Monica, California vs California: the numbers that diverge
| Santa Monica, California | California | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,207 | $2,270 | -3% |
| Dedicated routes | 38% | 32% | +6 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
The largest gap is on dedicated routes: Santa Monica, California sits 6 points above the California 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 Santa Monica, California
- Best owner-operator companies in Santa Monica, California
- CDL driver salary in California
How we compile these rankings
Pay carriers in the same market against each other (30% of the score). Add a five-dimension FMCSA safety percentile from SAFER (25%). Score benefits based on whether the carrier hires W2 drivers or contractors (25%). Layer on employer responsiveness and fleet scale (20%). The weights are fixed and public. Updated November 2026.