Updated November 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Blaine, Minnesota (November 2026)
Blaine, Minnesota, November 2026: CDL drivers average $2,597/week (median $2,000). Based on 1,428 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 31% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $1,968. 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 November 2026
No major rank changes this month — the top carriers have held their positions since October 2026.
What CDL drivers are earning across Blaine, Minnesota
Across active CDL postings in Blaine, 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) | $2,299 | $2,100 | 645 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,557 | $1,500 | 452 |
| Owner Operator | $7,176 | $7,500 | 331 |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
Lane mix and benefits across Blaine, Minnesota
The route mix in Blaine, Minnesota this month tilts OTR: 9% regional, 88% OTR, 3% local, 0% semi-local — drawn from active postings, not historical surveys.
Across Blaine, Minnesota CDL postings: 1% with guaranteed pay, 29% dedicated, 86% take-truck-home, 70% pet-friendly, 68% riders-allowed.
Blaine, Minnesota vs Minnesota: the numbers that diverge
The largest gap is on average weekly pay: Blaine, Minnesota sits 12% 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. First-time Twin Cities runs should check truck-route restrictions carefully.
Related guides
- Best trucking companies in Blaine, Minnesota
- Best owner-operator companies in Blaine, Minnesota
- CDL driver salary in Minnesota
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 November 2026.