What CDL Drivers Make in Construction Across Major U.S. Markets (2026)
Quick Answer: CDL drivers in construction earn $24–$58/hr depending on market, truck type, and sector. Local dump truck and ready-mix drivers average $26–$38/hr in most markets. Heavy haul and OTR drivers on construction hauls earn $30–$48/hr. Union drivers (Teamsters) in major markets earn $40–$62/hr in total package including benefits.
CDL Driver Roles in Construction
Dump truck driver: Hauls dirt, aggregate, asphalt, demolition debris. Local routes, typically home daily. $24–$36/hr in most non-union markets.
Ready-mix (concrete) driver: Delivers mixed concrete to job sites. Time-sensitive, physically demanding loading/unloading. $26–$38/hr in non-union markets.
Water truck / support truck: Dust control, site support. $22–$32/hr in most markets.
Heavy haul / specialized transport: Moving cranes, equipment, oversized loads. CDL + endorsements required. $30–$50/hr in most markets.
Teamster union driver: $38–$62/hr package in major markets.
Fact: Ready-mix concrete drivers earn a premium over standard dump truck drivers in most markets because of the time-sensitive nature of the load — concrete begins to cure after the drum starts turning. Drivers who can accurately read job site conditions and communicate with pump operators are especially valued.
CDL Driver Pay in Construction by Market — 2026
Companion tables · What CDL Drivers Make in Construction Across Major U.S. Markets (2026)
Table 1 · CDL Driver Pay in Construction by Market — 2026
Non-union and union Teamster package rates for construction CDL drivers across major U.S. markets.
| Market | Dump Truck (Non-Union) | Ready-Mix (Non-Union) | Heavy Haul (Non-Union) | Teamster Package Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston, TX | $24–$34/hr | $26–$36/hr | $30–$46/hr | $38–$54/hr | Port of Houston adds heavy haul demand. Industrial aggregate and asphalt hauls active year-round. |
| Dallas-Fort Worth, TX | $22–$32/hr | $25–$35/hr | $28–$44/hr | $36–$50/hr | TxDOT corridor work keeps dump and aggregate haul in constant demand. |
| Chicago, IL | $26–$38/hr | $28–$40/hr | $30–$44/hr | $44–$60/hr | Teamster Local 705/731 strong. IDOT and CTA projects at prevailing wage. |
| New York City, NY | $30–$44/hr | $32–$44/hr | $34–$48/hr | $52–$68/hr | Teamster Local 282. Urban delivery complexity adds premium for experienced NYC drivers. |
| Los Angeles, CA | $26–$38/hr | $28–$40/hr | $30–$46/hr | $46–$62/hr | AB5 impacts owner-operator arrangements. Prevailing wage covers most public construction trucking. |
| Phoenix, AZ | $22–$31/hr | $24–$34/hr | $28–$42/hr | $34–$48/hr | Primarily non-union. Concrete demand elevated by manufacturing buildout. |
| Denver, CO | $24–$34/hr | $26–$36/hr | $28–$40/hr | $36–$50/hr | Aggregate haul from Front Range quarries plus suburban infrastructure expansion. |
| Atlanta, GA | $20–$28/hr | $22–$30/hr | $26–$38/hr | $32–$44/hr | Lower-cost market. Commercial construction activity keeps dump and ready-mix active. |
Non-union rates reflect base wages only. Union Teamster package rates include wages plus benefit contributions. Heavy haul rates apply to permitted oversized and overweight loads requiring special routing and escort. Ready-mix rates are for drivers employed directly by concrete producers under construction site agreements.
Houston, TX
Dump truck driver (non-union): $24–$34/hr
Ready-mix driver (non-union): $26–$36/hr
Heavy haul / specialized (non-union): $30–$46/hr
Teamster union driver (Local 988): $38–$54/hr package
Houston's construction and industrial activity generates significant trucking demand, aggregate hauls, asphalt, demolition debris, and equipment moves. The Port of Houston area adds heavy haul demand for industrial freight and oversized loads.
Dallas-Fort Worth, TX
Dump truck driver (non-union): $22–$32/hr
Ready-mix driver (non-union): $25–$35/hr
Heavy haul (non-union): $28–$44/hr
Teamster union driver: $36–$50/hr package
DFW's construction volume keeps trucking in constant demand. Highway construction along I-35, SH-288, and other TxDOT corridors requires significant aggregate and asphalt hauling. Ready-mix demand follows the commercial construction boom.
Chicago, IL
Dump truck driver (non-union): $26–$38/hr
Ready-mix driver (non-union): $28–$40/hr
Teamster union driver (Local 705, Local 731): $44–$60/hr package
Chicago has a strong Teamster density. Union drivers on public construction projects, including IDOT highway, CTA and MWRD, earn prevailing wage rates. Non-union rates are still competitive due to the labor market pressure created by strong union wages.
New York City, NY
Dump truck driver (non-union): $30–$44/hr
Teamster union driver (Local 282): $52–$68/hr package
NYC construction trucking is heavily regulated and substantially union. Local 282 represents drivers on major commercial and public projects across the metro. The complexity of urban delivery with site access, traffic and weight restrictions makes experienced NYC construction drivers especially valued.
Los Angeles, CA
Dump truck driver (non-union): $26–$38/hr
Ready-mix driver (non-union): $28–$40/hr
Teamster union driver (Local 396, Local 63): $46–$62/hr package
California's AB5 regulations and prevailing wage rules significantly affect how CDL drivers are classified and compensated on public projects. Owner-operators have faced significant restrictions; most construction trucking on public projects is done through direct employee arrangements.
Fact: California AB5, which is the gig worker classification law — has had a significant impact on owner-operator truck drivers. Many CDL drivers who previously worked as independent contractors on construction sites in California now operate as direct employees, affecting how their pay is structured.
Phoenix, AZ
Dump truck driver (non-union): $22–$31/hr
Ready-mix driver (non-union): $24–$34/hr
Heavy haul (non-union): $28–$42/hr
Teamster union driver: $34–$48/hr package
Phoenix is primarily non-union for construction trucking. Significant concrete volume from the manufacturing and commercial buildout keeps ready-mix demand elevated. Highway expansion and aggregate hauling from Arizona quarries drives dump truck demand.
Denver, CO
Dump truck driver (non-union): $24–$34/hr
Ready-mix driver (non-union): $26–$36/hr
Teamster union driver: $36–$50/hr package
Denver's mountain proximity adds specialized demand for aggregate hauling from quarries in the Front Range. I-70 corridor construction and suburban expansion drive aggregate and asphalt haul demand.
What Increases CDL Driver Pay in Construction
Endorsements: Hazmat, tanker, and doubles/triples endorsements add $1–$4/hr on applicable loads. Hazmat is the most widely valued in construction trucking near chemical and fuel sites.
Equipment size: Super-dump, end dump, and live-bottom trailers command more than standard dump trucks. Heavy haul drivers with experience on permitted oversized loads earn significantly more.
Clean record: MVR (motor vehicle record) is reviewed by every trucking contractor and many construction firms. A clean record with no preventable accidents is worth $1–$3/hr premium in most markets.
Equipment operation: Drivers who can also operate equipment (skid steer, forklift, water truck accessories) are more flexible and valuable. Some construction sites pay a dual-skill premium.
FAQ
How much do CDL drivers make in construction per hour in 2026?
CDL drivers in construction earn $22–$58/hr depending on role, market, and union status. Ready-mix and heavy haul drivers earn more than standard dump truck drivers. Union Teamsters in major markets earn $40–$62/hr in total package.
Is a CDL worth getting for construction work?
Yes. A CDL Class A opens access to the full range of commercial trucking in construction, including heavy haul and equipment transport. Class B is sufficient for most ready-mix and standard dump truck work. The CDL typically takes 4–8 weeks and $3,000–$10,000 to obtain (programs vary widely in cost).
What CDL class do I need for construction?
Class B CDL covers ready-mix concrete trucks, dump trucks under 26,001 lbs GVWR, and most construction support vehicles. Class A CDL is required for semi-trucks, heavy haul combinations, and equipment transport trailers over the Class B threshold. Class A opens more opportunities and typically pays more.
Do CDL drivers in construction get benefits?
Direct employee CDL drivers at larger contractors typically receive health insurance, retirement contributions, and paid leave. Union Teamster positions include comprehensive benefits through the union health and welfare fund. Day-labor or owner-operator arrangements typically offer no benefits.
What is the difference between a Teamster CDL driver and a non-union CDL driver in construction?
Teamster drivers earn higher total compensation (wages + benefits), have union protection for disciplinary disputes, and typically work on public and large private projects under prevailing wage requirements. Non-union drivers earn less in raw wages but may have more flexibility in work arrangement and hours. In right-to-work states, the pay gap between union and non-union tends to be smaller.
Can CDL drivers become equipment operators in construction?
Yes. Many CDL drivers in construction develop equipment operation skills alongside their trucking by running skid steers, water trucks with attachments, or haul trucks on mine-style sites. Getting into an IUOE (Operating Engineers) apprenticeship is also a path from CDL driving to higher-paying equipment operation.
Do CDL construction drivers work year-round?
In warm-weather markets (TX, AZ, FL, CA), yes. In cold-weather markets, winter slows concrete and paving work but many drivers stay active on snow removal contracts, winter utility work, and indoor construction material delivery. Aggregate and infrastructure hauling often continues year-round in most markets.
What hazmat endorsement pays the most for construction CDL drivers?
Hazmat (H) endorsement is the most broadly applicable in construction and required for fuel tankers, certain chemical deliveries, and some remediation project hauling. Combined with a tanker endorsement (N), Hazmat-N drivers can access fuel hauling and chemical plant work that pays $4–$8/hr more than standard construction dump truck rates.
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