How to Become a CDL Truck Driver in California (2026)
California employs about 205,090 CDL truck drivers earning a median $60,230 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Training as a CDL Truck Driver here means completing FMCSA ELDT, a DOT medical exam, a CLP, and a state-issued CDL. Training is measured in weeks, not years, then applying through Department of Motor Vehicles - Licensing Operations Division - Commercial Licensing Policy Section.
Compare CDL Truck Driver Schools in California
| # | School | BOC Score (0–100) | Tuition | Median grad earnings (all majors) | Graduation rate | Online | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Southwest Technical College | 73.4 | Contact school for pricing | $40,193 | 94% | — | 390 mi |
| 2 | CET-El Centro | 67.9 | Contact school for pricing | $40,676 | 91% | — | 291 mi |
| 3 | CET-Soledad | 62.4 | Contact school for pricing | $40,676 | 82% | — | 121 mi |
| 4 | Dixie Technical College | 58.7 | Contact school for pricing | $46,064 | 80% | — | 350 mi |
| 5 | Yavapai College | 57.1 | $2,948 - $14,988 | $57,288 | 33% | Yes* | 404 mi |
| 6 | Tooele Technical College | 55.2 | Contact school for pricing | $51,524 | 75% | — | 528 mi |
| 7 | Advanced Career Institute | Not rated | Contact school for pricing | $48,952 | 78% | — | 63 mi |
| 8 | Pima Community College | 53.7 | Contact school for pricing | $50,345 | 25% | Yes* | 538 mi |
| 9 | Arizona Western College | 51.2 | Contact school for pricing | $48,286 | 22% | Yes* | 344 mi |
| 10 | Coalinga College | 49.2 | Contact school for pricing | $46,286 | 43% | Yes* | 68 mi |
Schools closest to the page's primary location are gathered first, then ranked by BOC Score; distance from the page's primary location is shown for reference. The BOC Score is an independent measure of school outcomes (graduation, earnings, net price, retention) expressed as a 0–100 percentile within each school's peer group; higher is better and advertising never affects it. *Online availability refers to coursework; hands-on trade training is completed in person. Read the full methodology.
California employs approximately 205,090 CDL truck drivers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $60,230 1. Nationally, cdl truck driver employment is projected to grow 4.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 237,600 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a CDL Truck Driver in California, including licensing requirements, training programs, and salary data.
At a Glance
- Training paths: ELDT from a Training Provider Registry school (find programs)
- Typical timeline: FMCSA ELDT, a DOT medical exam, a CLP, and a state-issued CDL. Training is measured in weeks, not years
- Licensing authority: Department of Motor Vehicles - Licensing Operations Division - Commercial Licensing Policy Section
- Exam: state CDL skills test
- Median wage (California): $60,230 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a CDL Truck Driver in California
How to become a CDL Truck Driver in California? Complete FMCSA ELDT, a DOT medical exam, a CLP, and a state-issued CDL. Training is measured in weeks, not years. Apply through Department of Motor Vehicles - Licensing Operations Division - Commercial Licensing Policy Section.
How long does it take? Most people finish FMCSA ELDT, a DOT medical exam, a CLP, and a state-issued CDL. Training is measured in weeks, not years. Confirm current hour totals with the program and Department of Motor Vehicles - Licensing Operations Division - Commercial Licensing Policy Section.
Do I need a license in California? Yes. California credentials this role through Department of Motor Vehicles - Licensing Operations Division - Commercial Licensing Policy Section 3. See the licensing section below.
What do CDL truck drivers earn in California? The median annual wage for CDL truck drivers in California is $60,230 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $41,830 and experienced professionals can earn $81,960 or more 1.
How to Become a CDL Truck Driver in California
- Meet age, record, and medical rules. Interstate CDL driving is generally 21 and up; many states allow intrastate CDL at 18. Pass a DOT medical exam from an NRCME examiner.
- Complete FMCSA ELDT. Take Entry-Level Driver Training from a school on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry. This is not a registered apprenticeship.
- Get a CLP and pass the skills test. Earn a commercial learner’s permit, practice, then pass the skills test at the state driver-license office.
- Receive the CDL and endorsements. The state issues the CDL. Add endorsements the job needs. Confirm current rules with the state DMV, not a parent transportation agency homepage.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
CDL Truck Driver License Requirements in California
CDL truck drivers in California complete FMCSA ELDT, pass a DOT medical exam, and earn a state-issued CDL. This is a weeks-long path, not a multi-year apprenticeship. See Department of Motor Vehicles - Licensing Operations Division - Commercial Licensing Policy Section 3.
Typical path
Meet age, record, and DOT medical rules.
Complete ELDT on the Training Provider Registry.
Get a CLP and pass the skills test.
Receive the CDL and needed endorsements from the state DMV.
Hour totals, fees, and reciprocity rules change. Confirm current requirements with Department of Motor Vehicles - Licensing Operations Division - Commercial Licensing Policy Section before you enroll.
CDL Truck Driver Wages by Metro Area in California
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Wages by Metro Area in California
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers wages in California vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | 61,270 | $60,340 | $61,230 | $42,910 | $80,120 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | 40,230 | $60,580 | $64,130 | $39,320 | $97,320 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | 16,450 | $66,450 | $69,260 | $48,300 | $94,280 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom | 10,960 | $60,810 | $62,060 | $44,000 | $81,030 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | 10,440 | $59,780 | $60,180 | $40,880 | $78,250 |
| Stockton-Lodi | 10,110 | $60,470 | $61,820 | $40,500 | $80,070 |
| Fresno | 8,170 | $55,740 | $55,990 | $36,620 | $76,580 |
| Bakersfield-Delano | 7,050 | $57,690 | $56,530 | $38,490 | $74,870 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | 5,360 | $70,730 | $70,730 | $48,280 | $94,620 |
| Modesto | 3,510 | $58,330 | $58,500 | $38,530 | $78,030 |
| Visalia | 3,060 | $51,530 | $58,610 | $36,010 | $89,030 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura | 3,020 | $59,120 | $59,210 | $39,590 | $76,910 |
| Vallejo | 2,380 | $61,540 | $62,430 | $43,530 | $80,370 |
| Salinas | 2,140 | $53,390 | $56,250 | $38,480 | $76,970 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma | 1,860 | $62,620 | $63,580 | $46,380 | $80,190 |
| Yuba City | 1,790 | $58,230 | $58,000 | $43,660 | $73,670 |
| Merced | 1,710 | $55,630 | $58,420 | $36,470 | $83,810 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | 1,550 | $55,910 | $56,630 | $37,770 | $77,270 |
| El Centro | 1,130 | $55,140 | $56,410 | $37,870 | $75,380 |
| Redding | 940 | $57,350 | $56,330 | $39,490 | $74,400 |
| Hanford-Corcoran | 810 | $48,110 | $53,700 | $36,730 | $78,890 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville | 750 | $59,500 | $60,240 | $39,120 | $81,470 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles | 720 | $60,380 | $60,260 | $40,690 | $76,250 |
| Chico | 650 | $57,480 | $57,110 | $39,930 | $73,220 |
| Napa | 600 | $60,860 | $63,210 | $46,190 | $79,860 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for CDL truck drivers in California? California currently employs approximately 205,090 CDL truck drivers 1. Nationally, cdl truck driver employment is projected to grow 4.0% from 2024 to 2034 2.
Can I work as a cdl truck driver in California with an out-of-state license? Contact the Department of Motor Vehicles - Licensing Operations Division - Commercial Licensing Policy Section for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in California? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and state-approved training programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in California.
How much do CDL truck drivers earn in California compared to the national average? The median annual wage for CDL truck drivers in California is $60,230, which is $2,790 above the national median of $57,440 according to BLS data 1.
Related guides
In California
Top local programs
- Best CDL & Trucking Schools in Adelanto, California (2026)
- Best CDL & Trucking Schools in Agoura Hills, California (2026)
- Best CDL & Trucking Schools in Alameda, California (2026)
- Best CDL & Trucking Schools in Alhambra, California (2026)
- Best CDL & Trucking Schools in Aliso Viejo, California (2026)
- Best CDL & Trucking Schools in American Canyon, California (2026)
- Best CDL & Trucking Schools in Anaheim, California (2026)
- Best CDL & Trucking Schools in Antioch, California (2026)
- Best CDL & Trucking Schools in Apple Valley, California (2026)
- Best CDL & Trucking Schools in Arcadia, California (2026)
- Best CDL & Trucking Schools in Arroyo Grande, California (2026)
- Best CDL & Trucking Schools in Arvin, California (2026)
Related trades & nearby areas
- Best Carpenter Schools in California (2026)
- Best Electrician Schools in California
- Best HVAC Schools in California (2026)
- Best Plumber Schools in California
- Best Plumbing Schools in California (2026)
- Best Welder Schools in California
Explore More Trades in California
- Electrician in California
- Plumber in California
- HVAC Technician in California
- Welder in California
- Carpenter in California
- Solar Installation Technician in California
- Auto Mechanic in California
- CNC Machinist in California
- Certified Nursing Assistant in California
- Medical Assistant in California
Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Department of Motor Vehicles - Licensing Operations Division - Commercial Licensing Policy Section - Licensing Information: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/licensing-fees/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |