Updated November 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Arvada, Colorado (November 2026)
Through November 2026, the average CDL driver in Arvada, Colorado earns $2,718 per week (median $2,100). Based on 1,185 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 32% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,059. Colorado trucking centers on the I-25 / I-70 cross at Denver, with energy-sector freight from the Denver-Julesburg (DJ) Basin's Niobrara play in Weld County and produce flows (peaches, apples, vegetables) out of the Western Slope.
What changed in November 2026
- average weekly pay fell by 4.8% ($2,854 → $2,718).
- median weekly pay fell by 2.3% ($2,150 → $2,100).
Arvada, Colorado vs Colorado: the numbers that diverge
Among the figures above, average weekly pay is where Arvada, Colorado differs most from Colorado — 13% above statewide.
Arvada, Colorado CDL salary by hiring type
Across active CDL postings in Arvada, Colorado 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) | $2,399 | $2,225 | 525 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,610 | $1,600 | 365 |
| Owner Operator | $7,247 | $7,500 | 295 |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
What Arvada, Colorado drivers actually run
Of active CDL postings in Arvada, Colorado this month, 9% are regional and 88% are OTR (long-haul). Local and semi-local routes account for the remaining 3%.
Guaranteed pay is on offer at 2% of Arvada, Colorado postings; dedicated routes at 30%; take-truck-home at 86%. Pet-friendly policies appear at 69% and riders-allowed at 66%.
Driving CDL in Colorado
Colorado trucking centers on the I-25 / I-70 crossroads at Denver, with I-70 westbound the gateway to the Mountain West. Mountain passes and canyons — Eisenhower Tunnel (above 11,000 ft), Vail Pass, and Glenwood Canyon — are the dominant operational variable. Chain laws are aggressively enforced on I-70 from September through May. Elevation affects engine performance, brakes, and HOS realism. Cost of living along the Front Range is high relative to the Mountain West interior. Colorado has a moderate flat state income tax. Western Slope produce, DJ Basin energy in the northeast, and Denver last-mile distribution round out the lane mix.
Related guides
- Best trucking companies in Arvada, Colorado
- Best owner-operator companies in Arvada, Colorado
- CDL driver salary in Colorado
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 November 2026.