Updated November 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Albany, Georgia (November 2026)
In Albany, Georgia as of November 2026, the average weekly CDL pay is $2,621 with a median of $2,000. Both figures are computed against currently-active job postings, not historical surveys. Based on 1,552 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 32% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $1,978. Georgia freight is anchored by the Port of Savannah — a top-tier US container gateway — and the Atlanta intermodal crossroads at I-75 / I-85 / I-20, making it the dominant Southeast distribution hub.
What changed in November 2026
No major rank changes this month — the top carriers have held their positions since October 2026.
How Albany, Georgia compares to Georgia
| Albany, Georgia | Georgia | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,621 | $2,212 | +18% |
| Take-truck-home | 89% | 83% | +6 pt |
| Riders-allowed policies | 67% | 62% | +5 pt |
| OTR (long-haul) routes | 86% | 76% | +10 pt |
| Local routes | 0% | 5% | -5 pt |
| Regional routes | 13% | 18% | -5 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
The largest gap is on average weekly pay: Albany, Georgia sits 18% above the Georgia baseline.
Albany, Georgia CDL salary by hiring type
Across active CDL postings in Albany, Georgia this month, pay varies meaningfully by hiring type. The breakdown below shows the average and median weekly pay for each.
| Hiring type | Avg/wk | Median/wk | Active postings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Independent Contractor (1099) | $2,229 | $2,013 | 752 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,612 | $1,580 | 438 |
| Owner Operator | $7,150 | $7,000 | 362 |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
Lane mix and benefits across Albany, Georgia
The route mix in Albany, Georgia this month tilts OTR: 13% regional, 86% OTR, 0% local, 0% semi-local — drawn from active postings, not historical surveys.
Guaranteed pay is on offer at 2% of Albany, Georgia postings; dedicated routes at 27%; take-truck-home at 89%. Pet-friendly policies appear at 69% and riders-allowed at 67%.
Driving CDL in Georgia
Georgia anchors the Southeast freight network through the Port of Savannah (a top-tier East Coast container gateway) and the Atlanta intermodal crossroads at I-75 / I-85 / I-20. Atlanta traffic is consistently top-tier US congestion — drivers based here either learn the off-peak windows or take a real income hit. Outside the metro, Georgia is one of the easier driving states: flat, mostly forgiving weather, little mountain work outside the north Georgia corridors. Reefer pulling poultry out of north-central Georgia is a steady regional segment. State income tax is moderate; cost of living statewide is below the national average. The Port of Savannah lanes are a steady driver-pay segment.
Related guides
- Best trucking companies in Albany, Georgia
- Best owner-operator companies in Albany, Georgia
- CDL driver salary in Georgia
Where this data comes from
Four weighted components. Compensation carries 30% and includes pay percentile, sign-on bonus tier, guaranteed-pay availability, and settlement frequency. FMCSA safety carries 25%, built from five SAFER dimensions. Benefits carry 25%, scored separately for W2 versus owner-operator carriers. Operational performance carries 20%, measuring application responsiveness and fleet scale. Updated November 2026.