Updated November 2026
CDL Driver Salary in East Providence, Rhode Island (November 2026)
Through November 2026, East Providence, Rhode Island CDL drivers earn $2,864 per week on average. The median is $2,150; the distribution by hiring type and the active-posting count both follow. Based on 1,135 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.
What CDL drivers are earning across East Providence, Rhode Island
Across active CDL postings in East Providence, 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) | $2,348 | $2,150 | 530 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,607 | $1,600 | 318 |
| Owner Operator | $7,409 | $7,500 | 287 |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
What East Providence, Rhode Island drivers actually run
The route mix in East Providence, Rhode Island this month tilts OTR: 9% regional, 88% OTR, 2% local, 0% semi-local — drawn from active postings, not historical surveys.
Across East Providence, Rhode Island CDL postings: 1% with guaranteed pay, 29% dedicated, 87% take-truck-home, 68% pet-friendly, 66% riders-allowed.
How East Providence, Rhode Island compares to Rhode Island
Among the figures above, average weekly pay is where East Providence, Rhode Island differs most from Rhode Island — 7% above statewide.
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 East Providence, Rhode Island
- Best owner-operator companies in East Providence, Rhode Island
- CDL driver salary in Rhode Island
How we compile these rankings
The composite score is 30% compensation, 25% FMCSA safety, 25% benefits, and 20% operational performance. Pay percentiles are computed against carriers currently hiring in each market; FMCSA percentiles come from SAFER and weight unsafe-driving and hours-of-service violations 2× heavier than the other three dimensions. Updated November 2026.