Updated November 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Eau Claire, Wisconsin (November 2026)
Through November 2026, the average CDL driver in Eau Claire, Wisconsin earns $2,549 per week (median $2,000). Based on 1,421 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 31% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $1,908. Wisconsin freight moves on I-90 / I-94 through Milwaukee and Madison, with dairy and food processing as the dominant outbound commodity and paper and packaging manufacturing in the Fox River Valley generating consistent industrial loads.
What changed in November 2026
No major rank changes this month — the top carriers have held their positions since October 2026.
Where Eau Claire, Wisconsin differs from the Wisconsin baseline
| Eau Claire, Wisconsin | Wisconsin | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,549 | $2,159 | +18% |
| Take-truck-home | 89% | 81% | +8 pt |
| Pet-friendly fleets | 71% | 64% | +7 pt |
| Riders-allowed policies | 69% | 62% | +7 pt |
| OTR (long-haul) routes | 89% | 75% | +14 pt |
| Local routes | 0% | 7% | -7 pt |
| Regional routes | 10% | 16% | -6 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
Eau Claire, Wisconsin's biggest divergence from Wisconsin is on average weekly pay, 18% above the state baseline.
Eau Claire, Wisconsin CDL salary by hiring type
Across active CDL postings in Eau Claire, Wisconsin 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) | $2,336 | $2,150 | 656 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,592 | $1,550 | 429 |
| Owner Operator | $7,226 | $7,500 | 336 |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
Lane mix and benefits across Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Of active CDL postings in Eau Claire, Wisconsin this month, 10% are regional and 89% are OTR (long-haul). Local and semi-local routes account for the remaining 1%.
Across Eau Claire, Wisconsin CDL postings: 1% with guaranteed pay, 28% dedicated, 89% take-truck-home, 71% pet-friendly, 69% riders-allowed.
Driving CDL in Wisconsin
Wisconsin freight moves on I-90 / I-94 through Milwaukee and Madison. Dairy and food processing are dominant outbound commodities — Wisconsin's reefer freight is a national-scale segment. Paper and packaging manufacturing in the Fox River Valley generates consistent industrial loads. Great Lakes ports at Green Bay and Superior handle bulk cargo. Cost of living is moderate. Wisconsin has a high graduated state income tax. Winter is severe — lake-effect snow off Lake Michigan affects the eastern third of the state; ice and salt corrosion eat equipment faster than southern states.
Related guides
- Best trucking companies in Eau Claire, Wisconsin
- Best owner-operator companies in Eau Claire, Wisconsin
- CDL driver salary in Wisconsin
Where this data comes from
Compensation, FMCSA safety, benefits, and operational performance — weighted 30, 25, 25, and 20 percent respectively. Compensation extends beyond headline pay to include sign-on bonus tier and settlement cadence. Benefits scoring differs by hiring type because the perks that matter to a W2 driver and a contractor are not the same. Updated November 2026.