OTR Hazmat Driver Jobs in California — Now Hiring

TruckingJobsInUSA is actively hiring experienced Hazmat drivers for over-the-road (OTR) positions based in California. We are a CDL driver recruiting agency placing qualified drivers with vetted, well-established carriers across the United States — and we have immediate openings for drivers domiciled in and around Los Angeles, California.

This is a full-time Hazmat driving position paying $78,500 - $111,000/year depending on experience, lane, and safety record. Home time: Out 1–2 weeks. We work with multiple client carriers, so once you apply our recruiters match you to the opening that best fits your home-time, pay, and equipment preferences — there is no cost to you, ever.

Pay context for California: the statewide CDL-A average is $72,500, and the strongest-paying metros are Los Angeles (about $78,400), San Francisco (about $76,800), San Diego (about $74,200). California runs above the national cost-of-living average (index 142), so the headline number buys less than it does in a cheaper state — adjusted for living costs it works out closer to $51,056. Wage trend is currently rising — California leads the nation in trucker pay due to Ports of LA/Long Beach volume, strict emissions regulations creating driver scarcity, and AB5 labor law impacts on independent contractors.

Routing matters on this account: Extensive restricted routes in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego metro areas. Hazmat prohibited in many tunnels and on coastal routes. CHP requires route plans for certain hazmat classes. Weigh and inspection posture in the state: CHP operates weigh stations throughout the state. Major stations on I-5, I-15, I-10, I-80, US-101. California Agricultural Inspection stations at all border entry points.

Winter operating requirement: Mandatory chain controls (R-1, R-2, R-3) on mountain passes. R-2 requires chains on drive axles for trucks. Caltrans enforces chain control on I-80 Donner Pass, US-50, I-5 Grapevine, and more.

Fuel tax in California is $0.389 per gallon diesel (among highest in US) + federal, which matters if you are comparing per-mile offers across state lines. Inspection climate: Very high inspection rate. CHP conducts extensive commercial vehicle enforcement. California is consistently among the top states for Level I inspections and out-of-service orders.

How it works: apply with the quick form below (under 60 seconds, no resume needed), one of our recruiters calls you to confirm your experience and what you're looking for, and we set up interviews with the carriers that match. You choose the offer that's right for you.

We require a minimum of 12 months of verifiable CDL-A driving experience for this role. If you have at least one year behind the wheel and a clean record, we want to talk to you.