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Entry Level Tanker Driver Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Relief Driver

Vernon, CA · On-site

$30.50 - $32.50/hr

Endorsements (tanker and doubles) based on vehicle assigned * 2 years commercial vehicle driving experience with an acceptable MVR * Ability to complete Entry Level Driver program if less than 2 ...

Dead Stock Driver

Hanford, CA · On-site

$22.54/hr

Endorsements (tanker and doubles) based on vehicle assigned * 2 years commercial vehicle driving experience with an acceptable MVR * Ability to complete Entry Level Driver program if less than 2 ...

Endorsements (tanker and doubles) based on vehicle assigned * 2 years commercial vehicle driving experience with an acceptable MVR * Ability to complete Entry Level Driver program if less than 2 ...

Dead Stock Driver

Hanford, CA · On-site

$22.54/hr

Endorsements (tanker and doubles) based on vehicle assigned * 2 years commercial vehicle driving experience with an acceptable MVR * Ability to complete Entry Level Driver program if less than 2 ...

On-Site Experience Level: Entry Level Job Type: Full Time Nutrien is a leading provider of crop ... A Class A CDL required; hazmat and tanker endorsements required * Must have a driving record that ...

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Entry Level Tanker Driver information

See California salary details

$13

$25

$38

How much do entry level tanker driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level tanker driver in California is $25.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.70 and $27.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Tanker Driver, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Tanker Driver, you need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) with relevant endorsements (such as HazMat and Tanker), a clean driving record, and a strong understanding of safe vehicle operation. Familiarity with electronic logging devices (ELDs), GPS navigation, and spill containment systems is often required. Attention to detail, reliability, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These qualifications and skills are crucial for ensuring the safe, legal, and efficient transport of hazardous or sensitive materials.

What is the difference between Entry Level Tanker Driver vs Delivery Driver?

AspectEntry Level Tanker DriverDelivery Driver
Required CertificationsCommercial Driver's License (CDL), Tanker EndorsementDriver's License (varies by vehicle)
Work EnvironmentTransporting liquids or gases in tankers, often long hoursDelivering packages or goods, often local or regional routes
Industry UsageOil, chemicals, fuel, or liquid transportationRetail, food, or parcel delivery services

Entry Level Tanker Drivers and Delivery Drivers both require specific licenses and work in transportation sectors. Tanker drivers focus on transporting liquids in specialized vehicles, often involving hazardous materials, while delivery drivers typically handle parcel or product deliveries. The roles differ mainly in the type of cargo, required certifications, and work environment, but both are essential roles within the transportation industry.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level tanker drivers and how can they be managed?

Entry level tanker drivers often encounter challenges such as mastering the safe handling of liquid cargo, adapting to strict safety regulations, and managing long or irregular driving hours. Spillage prevention and understanding how liquid movement affects vehicle stability are key learning areas. New drivers can overcome these obstacles through comprehensive training, closely following safety protocols, and seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues. Building strong communication with dispatchers and other team members also helps ensure smooth operations and timely deliveries.

What are Entry Level Tanker Drivers?

Entry Level Tanker Drivers are commercial drivers who are responsible for transporting liquids or gases in large tanker trucks. As entry-level professionals, they typically have recently obtained the necessary commercial driver's license (CDL) with a tanker endorsement and may have limited driving experience. Their duties include safely loading, transporting, and unloading materials, inspecting vehicles for safety, and adhering to all federal and state transportation regulations. They often work under supervision and may receive on-the-job training to handle hazardous or non-hazardous materials. This role is essential for industries such as fuel, chemical, and food-grade liquid transportation.
What are the most commonly searched types of Tanker Driver jobs in California? The most popular types of Tanker Driver jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Tanker Driver job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,804 per year, or $25.9 per hour.
CleanPack Chemist (CDL) *Class B CDL $5K sign on bonus

CleanPack Chemist (CDL) *Class B CDL $5K sign on bonus

Clean Harbors

Riverside, CA

$25 - $27/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 18 days ago


Clean Harbors rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

40th of 88 rated recycling and waste


Job description

  • 5AM start time- 10-12 hr days
  • A lot of GL
  • Class B MUST have Hazmat endorsement, tanker can be obtained upon hire
  • A lot of OT
  • $5K Sign on bonus
  • Home every night- occasional weekend work
 
Clean Harbors in Riverside, CA is seeking an Environmental Field Chemist (CleanPack Chemist) to handle, segregate, pack, and inspect chemical waste in accordance with Federal/State/Local regulations and our company policies and procedures.   This position will work both indoors and outdoors at plants, labs, customer sites and are responsible for assisting with lab packs within customer facilities, household hazardous waste (HHW) collections and lab moves.  This is a customer facing position, working at customer sites daily. The Environmental Field Chemist are (NOT) laboratory-based Chemist.

 
Clean Harbors is the leading provider of environmental, energy and industrial services throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico.  Everywhere industry meets environment, Clean Harbors is on-site, providing premier environmental, energy and industrial services. We are solving tough problems through innovation and proven methodology - come be part of the solution with us.

 
Why work for Clean Harbors?
  • Health and Safety is our #1 priority and we live it 3-6-5!
  • Focus on maintaining sustainability and cleaning the Earth 
  • Recruiting Pay range $25-$27 
  • Comprehensive health benefits coverage after 30 days of full-time employment including 401K with Company match
  • Own part of the company with our Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Opportunities for growth and development for all the stages of your career
  • Company paid training and tuition reimbursement
Required Qualifications:
  • Valid Driver's license
  • Strong customer service skills
  • By position, obtain a CDL Class B with hazmat and tanker endorsement within 6 months of employment
  • Perform physical functions per job requirements
  • Successfully complete a background check, drug test, and physical, by position
  • Per OSHA's Respiratory Protection Standard, 29 CFR 1910.34, employees in positions requiring respirators are required to meet facial hair standards.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • College degree in Chemistry or Natural Science
  • Previous experience in Environmental Services (i.e. remediation, abatement, emergency spill response, etc.)

 
Our Environmental Field Chemist is an entry level position into an exciting and rewarding career at Clean Harbors. Transitioning Military, this is a great opportunity to leverage your skills, experience, and training as you return to civilian life.

 
This position is an entry level management position.   From this role, there are approximately 15 other roles one can be promoted into within Clean Harbors.  A significant number of our middle and senior management staff all started in this role, from less than 5 years ago to 30 plus years ago.  Many others who have started in this role have significant positions within our customers as Environmental Health and Safety staff members at significant universities, pharmaceutical manufacturers as well as other customers. 

 
We will accelerate your training, so you learn the skills and knowledge to succeed in this position and start your career.  You can work in any of our 200+ branch locations and can transfer internally.  After successfully learning this position in approximately 18 to 36 months, then you will have the opportunity to move into a Salary Management position.  

 
Clean Harbors Technical Services
  • Waste Disposal - Comprehensive disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous waste at Company-owned facilities
  • Recycling Services - Extensive recycling, reuse and reclamation options for materials such as solvents, chemicals, oil and electrical equipment
  • Chemical Packing - Safe, efficient handling and disposal of the widest range of chemicals, including reactives and compressed gases
  • Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Services - HHW collection programs of all types and sizes, facilitated by Clean Harbors expert personnel 

 

Clean Harbors is an equal opportunity employer. 

Clean Harbors is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact ect@cleanharbors.com or 1-844-922-5547.

Clean Harbors is a Military & Veteran friendly company.

Please be advised that Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used to support certain stages of the recruitment process but are not used as a replacement for human decision making.

Clean Harbors is committed to complying with applicable pay transparency laws and ensuring fair and equitable compensation. The posted salary range reflects the minimum and maximum target for this role. Final compensation may vary based on factors such as location, experience, skills, and business needs. In addition to the base salary, some roles may be eligible for bonus or incentive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.

#CH

 
Key Responsibilities:
  • Ensure that Health and Safety is the number one priority by complying with all safe work practices, policies, and processes and always acting in a safe manner
  • Prepare computer generated packing lists, labels, manifest, and land disposal restriction notifications
  • Perform inspections of staging, accumulating and storage areas to ensure proper housekeeping procedures and compliance
  • Inspect storage area and drums for leaks or spills
  • Inspect drums for compliance with labeling regulations
  • Collects, segregates, and properly packages waste chemicals for disposal to maximize efficiency and maintain compliance
  • Executes Jobs at Clean Harbors customer locations including fortune 500 companies
  • Responsible for final preparation and approval of all projects before shipment in accordance with OSHA, EPA, DOT and company policies
  • Conducts projects/jobs according to site specific Federal, State, and local regulations and health and safety plans
  • Understand customer specific disposal restrictions/special packaging requirements
  • Sample and profile of new waste streams or any waste needing analytical testing
  • Ensures drum count is correct and that drum conditions are shippable in accordance our company's policies and procedure
  • Follow all local, state (provincial) and federal compliance regulations and rules
  • Safely operate vehicles in accordance with U.S. DOT, local, state (provincial) and federal requirements
  • Safely observe all corporate operating guidelines and procedures
  • Observe all company environmental health and safety operating guidelines
  • Perform other duties as assigned

What Clean Harbors employees say

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About Clean Harbors

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Clean Harbors is North America’s leading provider of environmental and industrial services. The Company serves a diverse customer base, including a majority of Fortune 500 companies. Its customer base spans a number of industries, including chemical, and manufacturing, as well as numerous government agencies. These customers rely on Clean Harbors to deliver a broad range of services such as end-to-end hazardous waste management, emergency spill response, industrial cleaning and maintenance, and recycling services. Through its Safety-Kleen subsidiary, Clean Harbors also is North America’s largest re-refiner and recycler of used oil and a leading provider of parts washers and environmental services to commercial, industrial and automotive customers. Founded in 1980 and based in Massachusetts, Clean Harbors operates throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico.

Industry

Environmental consulting services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Norwell, MA, US