Updated May 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Elyria, Ohio (May 2026)
CDL drivers in Elyria, Ohio earn $2,558 per week on average through May 2026. The median is $1,950, drawn from active job postings rather than survey self-reports. Based on 1,675 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 31% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,078. Ohio sits at the center of the US manufacturing belt, with I-70 / I-71 / I-75 forming a freight grid through Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati and major automotive, steel, and chemical supply chains driving consistent lane demand.
What changed in May 2026
We just started tracking monthly changes for this view. Check back next month to see how rankings have shifted.
Elyria, Ohio vs Ohio: the numbers that diverge
| Elyria, Ohio | Ohio | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,558 | $2,132 | +20% |
| Take-truck-home | 87% | 79% | +8 pt |
| Riders-allowed policies | 68% | 61% | +7 pt |
| Pet-friendly fleets | 70% | 64% | +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, May 2026
Among the figures above, average weekly pay is where Elyria, Ohio differs most from Ohio — 20% above statewide.
What CDL drivers are earning across Elyria, Ohio
Across active CDL postings in Elyria, 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) | $2,169 | $2,000 | 715 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,533 | $1,500 | 576 |
| Owner Operator | $7,099 | $7,000 | 384 |
Source: Lanefinder index, May 2026
How drivers spend their time on the road in Elyria, Ohio
Of active CDL postings in Elyria, 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 1% of Elyria, Ohio postings; dedicated routes at 27%; take-truck-home at 87%. Pet-friendly policies appear at 70% and riders-allowed at 68%.
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 Elyria, Ohio
- Best owner-operator companies in Elyria, Ohio
- CDL driver salary in Ohio
How we compile these rankings
Composite-score formula: compensation × 0.30, FMCSA safety × 0.25, benefits × 0.25, operational performance × 0.20. Compensation is anchored on pay percentile and lifted by sign-on bonus tier and guaranteed-pay availability. Operational performance is built mostly from driver-application response data in Lanefinder's platform, with fleet-scale percentile contributing a smaller portion. Updated May 2026.