Truck Driver Salary in Bakersfield
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Bakersfield, California. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$64,501
CDL-B Avg
$59,072
Non-CDL Avg
$55,442
Owner-Op Gross
$322,400
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Bakersfield truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Bakersfield
Bakersfield's cost of living is 10% above the national average. Higher pay partially offsets increased housing and daily expenses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$64,501
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$58,637
After adjusting for Bakersfield's cost of living index of 110, a CDL-A salary of $64,501 provides the same purchasing power as $58,637 in an average-cost area. The higher nominal salary is partially offset by higher local expenses.
Bakersfield vs California vs National Average
| Metric | Bakersfield | CA Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $64,501 | $62,020 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$2,481 | ||
| vs National | +$5,791 | ||
| Cost of Living | 110 | 142 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $58,637 | $43,676 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Bakersfield
Truck driver wages in Bakersfield are trending upward, driven by growth in oil & gas production and agriculture (table grapes, almonds, citrus). E-commerce fulfillment expansion and high turnover across the California market continue to push pay higher.
Which carriers run freight through Bakersfield?
These are large carriers with a real presence in the region. We do not publish what any of them pays in Bakersfield — that is a number only the carrier and the driver know, and it moves with the account, the lane and your record. Ask for it in cents per mile alongside the expected weekly miles.
- CRST International
- Knight-Swift
- Saia Inc.
- Covenant Transport
Read our carrier profiles for pay structure, home time and equipment on each one.
Industries Driving Trucking Demand in Bakersfield
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Bakersfield market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Bakersfield
Browse CDL driver positions in Bakersfield, CA from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Bakersfield
What is the average truck driver salary in Bakersfield, CA?
CDL-A truck drivers in Bakersfield, California earn an average of $64,501 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Bakersfield market is influenced by oil & gas production and agriculture (table grapes, almonds, citrus) freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Bakersfield?
Owner-operators based in Bakersfield gross approximately $322,400 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $122,512 to $154,752. The Bakersfield area's cost of living index of 110 is above the national average by 10%.
Is Bakersfield a good city for trucking jobs?
Bakersfield offers strong trucking employment thanks to its oil & gas production and agriculture (table grapes, almonds, citrus) sectors. The city's cost of living is above the national average, which should be factored into salary comparisons with lower-cost markets. CDL drivers with hazmat or tanker endorsements can earn 10-20% above the city average.