Updated September 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Cleveland, Ohio (September 2026)
Cleveland, Ohio CDL drivers: $2,495 average weekly pay, $2,000 median (September 2026). Based on 1,661 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 32% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $1,955. Cleveland anchors I-90 on Lake Erie with a major port handling bulk commodities (iron ore, limestone, cement, salt), and the I-71 / I-77 / I-90 grid connects automotive manufacturing, steel, and chemical corridor loads across northeast Ohio.
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 Cleveland, Ohio differs from the Ohio baseline
| Cleveland, Ohio | Ohio | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,495 | $2,155 | +16% |
| Take-truck-home | 86% | 79% | +7 pt |
| Riders-allowed policies | 67% | 60% | +7 pt |
| Pet-friendly fleets | 69% | 63% | +6 pt |
| OTR (long-haul) routes | 82% | 71% | +11 pt |
| Local routes | 2% | 7% | -5 pt |
| Regional routes | 15% | 20% | -5 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, September 2026
The largest gap is on average weekly pay: Cleveland, Ohio sits 16% above the Ohio baseline.
Cleveland, Ohio CDL salary by hiring type
Across active CDL postings in Cleveland, Ohio 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) | $2,243 | $2,050 | 728 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,537 | $1,500 | 557 |
| Owner Operator | $7,077 | $7,000 | 376 |
Source: Lanefinder index, September 2026
Lane mix and benefits across Cleveland, Ohio
Of active CDL postings in Cleveland, Ohio this month, 15% are regional and 82% are OTR (long-haul). Local and semi-local routes account for the remaining 3%.
Guaranteed pay is on offer at 2% of Cleveland, Ohio postings; dedicated routes at 28%; take-truck-home at 86%. Pet-friendly policies appear at 69% and riders-allowed at 67%.
Driving CDL in Ohio
Ohio sits at the center of the US manufacturing belt and runs about as much through-freight as any state. I-70, I-71, I-75, and the Ohio Turnpike form a freight grid that's flat, generally well-maintained, and forgiving for newer drivers — Ohio is one of the better states to gain initial OTR experience. The Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati metros each anchor distinct lane profiles (auto, distribution, and pharmaceutical respectively). Winter operational risk is real — lake-effect off Erie, freezing rain in the central part of the state — but less extreme than the Great Plains states. Ohio cost of living is below the national average, which makes the income math work better than the headline pay numbers suggest.
Related guides
- Best trucking companies in Cleveland, Ohio
- Best owner-operator companies in Cleveland, Ohio
- CDL driver salary in Ohio
Where this data comes from
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 September 2026.