Updated September 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Caldwell, Idaho (September 2026)
In Caldwell, Idaho as of September 2026, the typical CDL driver brings home $2,975 per week (median $2,200). Based on 1,068 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 33% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,105. 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 September 2026
We just started tracking monthly changes for this view. Check back next month to see how rankings have shifted.
Where Caldwell, Idaho differs from the Idaho baseline
| Caldwell, Idaho | Idaho | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,975 | $2,603 | +14% |
| OTR (long-haul) routes | 90% | 85% | +5 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, September 2026
The largest gap is on average weekly pay: Caldwell, Idaho sits 14% above the Idaho baseline.
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) | $2,399 | $2,200 | 473 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,599 | $1,560 | 318 |
| Owner Operator | $7,312 | $7,500 | 277 |
Source: Lanefinder index, September 2026
Lane mix and benefits across Caldwell, Idaho
9% of Caldwell, Idaho's active CDL postings are regional and 90% are OTR; local plus semi-local accounts for the rest (1%).
Guaranteed pay is on offer at 2% of Caldwell, Idaho postings; dedicated routes at 27%; take-truck-home at 88%. Pet-friendly policies appear at 70% and riders-allowed at 69%.
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 September 2026.