Updated May 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Bismarck, North Dakota (May 2026)
In Bismarck, North Dakota as of May 2026, the average weekly CDL pay is $3,167 with a median of $2,200. Both figures are computed against currently-active job postings, not historical surveys. Based on 1,123 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 31% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,028. North Dakota freight is dominated by Bakken oil-field service trucking in the western half and agricultural shipments of wheat, soybeans, and corn on I-94 / I-29, with significant cross-border trade through multiple Canadian ports of entry.
What changed in May 2026
We just started tracking monthly changes for this view. Check back next month to see how rankings have shifted.
How Bismarck, North Dakota compares to North Dakota
Bismarck, North Dakota's biggest divergence from North Dakota is on average weekly pay, 18% above the state baseline.
What CDL drivers are earning across Bismarck, North Dakota
Across active CDL postings in Bismarck, North Dakota 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) | $2,262 | $2,100 | 516 |
| Owner Operator | $7,309 | $7,500 | 307 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,621 | $1,600 | 300 |
Source: Lanefinder index, May 2026
What Bismarck, North Dakota drivers actually run
8% of Bismarck, North Dakota's active CDL postings are regional and 91% are OTR; local plus semi-local accounts for the rest (1%).
Across Bismarck, North Dakota CDL postings: 1% with guaranteed pay, 27% dedicated, 90% take-truck-home, 73% pet-friendly, 71% riders-allowed.
Driving CDL in North Dakota
North Dakota freight is dominated by Bakken oil-field service trucking in the western half — Williston, Watford City, and Dickinson are the operational centers. Agricultural freight (wheat, soybeans, corn, sugar beets) runs on I-94 / I-29 in the rest of the state. Significant cross-border trade with Saskatchewan through multiple commercial ports of entry adds international planning overhead. Winter is severe and long, with windchill stretches that affect equipment cold-start and fuel gelling. North Dakota has a low graduated state income tax — among the lowest in the country.
Related guides
- Best trucking companies in Bismarck, North Dakota
- Best owner-operator companies in Bismarck, North Dakota
- CDL driver salary in North Dakota
How we compile these rankings
Lanefinder's ranking algorithm weights compensation at 30%, FMCSA SAFER safety at 25%, benefits at 25%, and operational performance at 20%. Compensation reflects pay percentile plus sign-on bonus, guaranteed pay, and settlement-frequency adjustments. Benefits scoring is hiring-type-aware. Operational performance comes mostly from how carriers handle real driver applications. Updated May 2026.