Updated May 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Apple Valley, Minnesota (May 2026)
Through May 2026, the average CDL driver in Apple Valley, Minnesota earns $2,610 per week (median $2,000). Based on 1,422 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 30% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,111. Minnesota freight moves on the I-35 / I-94 Twin Cities metro grid and reaches the Great Lakes at Duluth, with large agricultural export volumes — soybeans, corn, and wheat — and a significant medical-device manufacturing sector.
What changed in May 2026
We just started tracking monthly changes for this view. Check back next month to see how rankings have shifted.
Apple Valley, Minnesota CDL salary by hiring type
Across active CDL postings in Apple Valley, Minnesota 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) | $2,249 | $2,050 | 618 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,542 | $1,500 | 460 |
| Owner Operator | $7,136 | $7,250 | 344 |
Source: Lanefinder index, May 2026
How drivers spend their time on the road in Apple Valley, Minnesota
The route mix in Apple Valley, Minnesota this month tilts OTR: 9% regional, 88% OTR, 2% local, 1% semi-local — drawn from active postings, not historical surveys.
Guaranteed pay is on offer at 1% of Apple Valley, Minnesota postings; dedicated routes at 27%; take-truck-home at 86%. Pet-friendly policies appear at 71% and riders-allowed at 69%.
Apple Valley, Minnesota vs Minnesota: the numbers that diverge
The largest gap is on average weekly pay: Apple Valley, Minnesota sits 9% above the Minnesota baseline.
Driving CDL in Minnesota
Minnesota freight moves on the I-35 / I-94 Twin Cities grid and reaches the Great Lakes at Duluth, a significant Lake Superior port. Agricultural exports — soybeans, corn, wheat — drive heavy outbound volume. A significant medical-device manufacturing sector (Medtronic and others) generates high-value freight. Winter is the dominant operational variable: sub-zero stretches affect equipment, idle-time policy, and HOS realism. Minnesota has a high graduated state income tax — among the higher rates in the country. The Twin Cities have unusually-designed truck-restricted bridges; first-time runs should consult routing notes carefully.
Related guides
- Best trucking companies in Apple Valley, Minnesota
- Best owner-operator companies in Apple Valley, Minnesota
- CDL driver salary in Minnesota
Where this data comes from
Rankings combine four signals: compensation (30%) including pay percentile, sign-on bonuses, guaranteed pay, and settlement frequency; FMCSA safety (25%); benefits (25%) scored differently for W2 vs owner-operator carriers; and operational performance (20%) measuring employer responsiveness and fleet scale. Recomputed monthly from real active job postings. Updated May 2026.