What Will I Get Paid with a Commercial Driver's License, CDL

BAY COUNTY, FL - Thanks to a reader of the Bay County Coastal we are digging a little deeper into the career choice of CDL driver. CDL stands for Commercial Driver's License. CDL is a license required to drive commercial motor vehicles in the United States, such as trucks, buses, trailers, and vehicles that transport hazardous materials or more than 15 passengers. The federal government sets the requirements for CDLs, but states can have their own minimum standards.

So you probably think of a semi driver or a school bus driver when you think of a CDL. Schools were certainly encourage more people to get certified but the big need is for trucking.  Estimates last year said the trucking industry will need at least 860,000 new drivers by 2024 according to the American Trucking Association.

Florida is the third-highest state in terms of heavy and tractor-trailer truck driver employment, with 101,920 jobs in 2023 according to the BLS. Florida is also the 3rd highest employer of truck drivers.

On the Swift transportation website they state, "Florida’s average annual salary, at $55,980, aligns with the national average annual salary of $59,428.” 

There are a variety of ways to be hired as a truck driver with a CDL license, here are 3 ways you might find work. One, you own your own truck and search out opportunities for hauling. Two, You own your own truck but work for a transit company who sends you out on routes. Three, you work for a local company and use their truck or other vehicle requiring a CDL license and do as directed.

Keep in mind, some employees will help you get your CDL license as part of your in house training and with the new pilot training taking place in Bay County, now is a good time to seek out those jobs because it benefits you and the employer. See Pilot Training article: https://www.baycountycoastal.com/articles/775/view

Some cities in Florida that pay truck drivers well include: 

West Palm Beach: $3,774 per week 

Winter Haven: $2,854 per week 

Miami: $2,472 per week 

Lakeland: $2,226 per week 

Pensacola: $2,175 per week 


Truck drivers can also be paid per mile, but the amount varies by carrier. The formula for calculating pay per mile is "miles x cents per mile = earnings". 

Swift Transportation also indicates, “Like in other states, drivers must understand, speak, and read English well enough to understand traffic signs, converse with officials, and make records and reports.

The CDL pay can vary by employer, by years of experience and if you already have your CDL or not. Interested in know more? Click the link above regarding the Pilot Training.