Tanker Truck Driver Jobs in California
Browse tanker trucking positions across California with top carriers hiring now.
Average Pay
$73,000 - $106,000
Demand Level
Very High
Top Carriers
5+ Hiring
Key Cities
5+ Markets
Tanker Trucking in California
Tanker drivers in California serve fuel distribution networks, wine and food-grade liquid transport, and agricultural chemical delivery. California's diverse economy creates varied tanker freight opportunities. Tanker driver demand in California is very high, with the tanker endorsement and clean safety record being key requirements for top-paying positions.
Top Companies Hiring Tanker Drivers in CA
Prime Inc.
Ruan Transportation
Schneider National
Amazon Freight
Driving jobs we are recruiting for in California
Each of these is a live posting with the pay, home time and requirements set out in full. Applying takes about a minute.
OTR Dry Van Driver
$57,000 - $80,500/year · Out 2–3 weeks
OTR Reefer Driver
$62,000 - $88,000/year · Out 2–3 weeks
OTR Flatbed Driver
$64,000 - $90,500/year · Out 1–2 weeks
OTR Step Deck Driver
$65,000 - $92,000/year · Out 1–2 weeks
OTR Tanker Driver
$65,500 - $92,500/year · Out 1–2 weeks
OTR Hazmat Driver
$67,500 - $95,000/year · Out 1–2 weeks
OTR Car Hauler Driver
$68,500 - $97,000/year · Out 2–3 weeks
OTR Oversized Driver
$72,000 - $101,500/year · Out 2–3 weeks
Regional Intermodal Driver
$58,000 - $82,000/year · Home weekly
Local Box Truck Driver
$48,000 - $67,500/year · Home daily
Regional Dump Truck Driver
$54,000 - $76,500/year · Home most nights
Local Cement Mixer Driver
$55,000 - $77,500/year · Home daily
OTR Hotshot Driver
$59,500 - $84,000/year · Out 1–2 weeks
Regional Less Than Truckload Driver
$60,500 - $85,500/year · Home weekly
OTR Power Only Driver
$57,000 - $80,500/year · Out 2–3 weeks
Local Straight Truck Driver
$47,000 - $66,000/year · Home daily
Top Cities for Tanker Jobs in California
Los Angeles
California
Oakland
California
Fresno
California
Sacramento
California
San Diego
California
Key Freight Routes in California
I-5 (full state north-south)
I-10 (LA to Arizona)
I-80 (Bay Area to Nevada/East)
Requirements for Tanker Driving in CA
- Valid CDL-A license with tanker (N) endorsement
- Hazmat (H) endorsement required for chemical and fuel loads
- 1+ year CDL-A experience
- TWIC card for port pickups/deliveries
- Understanding of liquid surge dynamics and safe braking techniques
- Clean MVR and DOT physical card
Start Your Tanker Driving Career in California
Submit your application and get matched with companies hiring tanker drivers in CA.
Tanker Trucking Jobs in California — FAQs
How much do tanker truck drivers make in California?
Tanker truck drivers in California earn $73,000 - $106,000 annually, depending on experience, endorsements, and carrier. Pay rates in California run above the national average due to higher cost of living and dense freight markets. Sign-on bonuses are widely advertised in this market, but the amount, the qualifying period and the clawback terms differ by carrier — read the offer letter rather than the recruiting ad, and ask when the money actually lands.
Do tanker drivers need a hazmat endorsement in California?
A tanker (N) endorsement is required for all tanker positions in California. If hauling hazardous liquids like fuel or chemicals, you also need the hazmat (H) endorsement and a TSA background check. Fuel hauling positions in California are the most common tanker roles and typically require both endorsements.
Are trucking companies in California hiring tanker drivers in 2026?
Yes — tanker driver demand in California is very high heading into 2026. California is one of the top hiring markets for tanker drivers, with multiple carriers offering sign-on bonuses, increased CPM rates, and accelerated hiring processes. Check individual carrier listings for current openings and application requirements in CA.