Updated November 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Burien, Washington (November 2026)
Active CDL job postings in Burien, Washington pay $2,862/week on average (median $2,200) through November 2026. Based on 1,073 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 32% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,022. Washington freight flows through the Port of Seattle and Port of Tacoma — a major West Coast container complex — with I-5 north-south and I-90 east-west carrying forest-products, agricultural exports from the Yakima Valley, and technology freight.
What changed in November 2026
- median weekly pay rose by 2.3% ($2,150 → $2,200).
How Burien, Washington compares to Washington
| Burien, Washington | Washington | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,862 | $2,579 | +11% |
| OTR (long-haul) routes | 87% | 81% | +6 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
Burien, Washington's biggest divergence from Washington is on average weekly pay, 11% above the state baseline.
How CDL pay breaks down in Burien, Washington
Across active CDL postings in Burien, Washington 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) | $2,394 | $2,250 | 488 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,618 | $1,532 | 316 |
| Owner Operator | $7,321 | $7,500 | 269 |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
How drivers spend their time on the road in Burien, Washington
The route mix in Burien, Washington this month tilts OTR: 9% regional, 87% OTR, 3% local, 1% semi-local — drawn from active postings, not historical surveys.
Guaranteed pay is on offer at 1% of Burien, Washington postings; dedicated routes at 29%; take-truck-home at 87%. Pet-friendly policies appear at 69% and riders-allowed at 66%.
Driving CDL in Washington
Washington freight flows through the Port of Seattle and Port of Tacoma — a major West Coast container complex — with I-5 north-south and I-90 east-west carrying forest-products freight, agricultural exports from the Yakima Valley (apples, hops, wine grapes), and technology-sector loads. Mountain passes (Snoqualmie on I-90, Stevens on US-2) are aggressive winter operational variables; chain laws apply liberally from November through March (commercial vehicles must carry chains Nov 1 to Apr 1). Cost of living is high in the Puget Sound metros. Washington has no state income tax — meaningful comp pull for drivers based here.
Related guides
- Best trucking companies in Burien, Washington
- Best owner-operator companies in Burien, Washington
- CDL driver salary in Washington
The methodology behind the rankings
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.