Updated November 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Cedar Falls, Iowa (November 2026)
CDL pay in Cedar Falls, Iowa averages $2,520/week (median $2,000) through November 2026. Based on 1,473 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 31% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $1,953. Iowa freight is shaped by its agricultural output — corn, soybeans, and ethanol — moving on I-80 east-west and I-35 north-south, with Des Moines serving as the primary distribution crossroads.
What changed in November 2026
No major rank changes this month — the top carriers have held their positions since October 2026.
Where Cedar Falls, Iowa differs from the Iowa baseline
| Cedar Falls, Iowa | Iowa | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,520 | $2,279 | +11% |
| OTR (long-haul) routes | 90% | 81% | +9 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
Among the figures above, average weekly pay is where Cedar Falls, Iowa differs most from Iowa — 11% above statewide.
Cedar Falls, Iowa CDL salary by hiring type
Across active CDL postings in Cedar Falls, Iowa 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) | $2,294 | $2,100 | 679 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,601 | $1,600 | 456 |
| Owner Operator | $7,176 | $7,250 | 338 |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
What Cedar Falls, Iowa drivers actually run
10% of Cedar Falls, Iowa's active CDL postings are regional and 90% are OTR; local plus semi-local accounts for the rest (0%).
Across Cedar Falls, Iowa CDL postings: 2% with guaranteed pay, 27% dedicated, 89% take-truck-home, 70% pet-friendly, 68% riders-allowed.
Driving CDL in Iowa
Iowa freight is shaped by the state's agricultural output — corn, soybeans, ethanol, pork — moving on the I-80 east-west and I-35 north-south corridors. Des Moines serves as the primary distribution crossroads. Cedar Rapids and Davenport (Quad Cities) add manufacturing and food-processing freight. Iowa runs a moderate flat state income tax; living costs are among the lowest in the Midwest. Winter is severe — wind off the prairie plus drifting snow plus black ice on I-80 makes route timing genuinely consequential from December through March.
Related guides
- Best trucking companies in Cedar Falls, Iowa
- Best owner-operator companies in Cedar Falls, Iowa
- CDL driver salary in Iowa
Where this data comes from
Pay carriers against each other within the same market (30%). Layer a weighted FMCSA SAFER safety percentile on top (25%). Score the benefits package against what actually matters for the hiring type — W2 health/financial benefits or owner-op operational perks (25%). Finish with operational performance: responsiveness to driver applications plus fleet scale (20%). All percentiles are recomputed monthly. Updated November 2026.