Updated May 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Caldwell, Idaho (May 2026)
In Caldwell, Idaho as of May 2026, the typical CDL driver brings home $3,003 per week (median $2,150). Based on 1,054 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 31% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,141. Idaho freight runs on I-84 / I-86 through the Snake River Plain, with large agricultural exports of potatoes, dairy, and barley and the Boise metro serving as the main regional distribution center.
What changed in May 2026
We just started tracking monthly changes for this view. Check back next month to see how rankings have shifted.
Caldwell, Idaho CDL salary by hiring type
Across active CDL postings in Caldwell, Idaho 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) | $2,267 | $2,100 | 456 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,591 | $1,550 | 316 |
| Owner Operator | $7,348 | $7,500 | 282 |
Source: Lanefinder index, May 2026
Lane mix and benefits across Caldwell, Idaho
9% of Caldwell, Idaho's active CDL postings are regional and 89% are OTR; local plus semi-local accounts for the rest (2%).
Guaranteed pay is on offer at 1% of Caldwell, Idaho postings; dedicated routes at 27%; take-truck-home at 88%. Pet-friendly policies appear at 71% and riders-allowed at 70%.
Where Caldwell, Idaho differs from the Idaho baseline
The largest gap is on average weekly pay: Caldwell, Idaho sits 9% above the Idaho baseline.
Driving CDL in Idaho
Idaho CDL work runs on I-84 / I-86 through the Snake River Plain, with Boise serving as the regional distribution hub. Agricultural exports — potatoes, dairy, barley — generate heavy outbound reefer freight, especially in late summer and fall. Boise's growing semiconductor sector (Micron) and broader tech presence add high-value freight. Cost of living in the Boise metro is rising but stays below the West Coast metros. Idaho has a moderate graduated state income tax. Winter on US-95 north of Boise is more severe than newcomers expect.
Related guides
- Best trucking companies in Caldwell, Idaho
- Best owner-operator companies in Caldwell, Idaho
- CDL driver salary in Idaho
Where this data comes from
Pay carriers in the same market against each other (30% of the score). Add a five-dimension FMCSA safety percentile from SAFER (25%). Score benefits based on whether the carrier hires W2 drivers or contractors (25%). Layer on employer responsiveness and fleet scale (20%). The weights are fixed and public. Updated May 2026.