Updated November 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Cranston, Rhode Island (November 2026)
Through November 2026, the average CDL driver in Cranston, Rhode Island earns $2,863 per week (median $2,150). Based on 1,139 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 31% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $1,966. Rhode Island is the smallest state by area but sits directly on I-95 connecting Boston and Providence, with the Port of Providence handling bulk cargo and the Providence metro serving as a distribution point for southern New England.
What changed in November 2026
No major rank changes this month — the top carriers have held their positions since October 2026.
How CDL pay breaks down in Cranston, Rhode Island
Across active CDL postings in Cranston, Rhode Island 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) | $2,346 | $2,150 | 532 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,605 | $1,600 | 319 |
| Owner Operator | $7,406 | $7,500 | 288 |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
Lane mix and benefits across Cranston, Rhode Island
Of active CDL postings in Cranston, Rhode Island this month, 10% are regional and 88% are OTR (long-haul). Local and semi-local routes account for the remaining 2%.
Guaranteed pay is on offer at 1% of Cranston, Rhode Island postings; dedicated routes at 29%; take-truck-home at 87%. Pet-friendly policies appear at 68% and riders-allowed at 66%.
Cranston, Rhode Island vs Rhode Island: the numbers that diverge
The largest gap is on average weekly pay: Cranston, Rhode Island sits 6% above the Rhode Island baseline.
Driving CDL in Rhode Island
Rhode Island is the smallest US state by area but sits directly on I-95 connecting Boston and Providence, putting it in the dense Northeast freight corridor. The Port of Providence handles bulk cargo (oil and aggregates especially). The Providence metro serves as a regional distribution point for southern New England. Cost of living is high; Rhode Island has a moderate graduated state income tax. The state's small geography means most regional drivers based here spend significant time in MA, CT, and NY — treat RI as an I-95 transit waypoint.
Related guides
- Best trucking companies in Cranston, Rhode Island
- Best owner-operator companies in Cranston, Rhode Island
- CDL driver salary in Rhode Island
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.