Updated November 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Evansville, Indiana (November 2026)
CDL pay in Evansville, Indiana averages $2,427/week (median $2,000) through November 2026. Based on 1,685 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 32% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $1,959. Indiana freight centers on Indianapolis as a major Midwest crossroads, where I-65 / I-70 / I-74 intersect, supporting automotive supply chains, pharmaceuticals, and a large steel-producing northwest corridor near Gary.
What changed in November 2026
No major rank changes this month — the top carriers have held their positions since October 2026.
How Evansville, Indiana compares to Indiana
| Evansville, Indiana | Indiana | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,427 | $2,019 | +20% |
| Take-truck-home | 89% | 78% | +11 pt |
| Pet-friendly fleets | 70% | 62% | +8 pt |
| Riders-allowed policies | 67% | 61% | +6 pt |
| OTR (long-haul) routes | 85% | 71% | +14 pt |
| Local routes | 1% | 8% | -7 pt |
| Regional routes | 13% | 19% | -6 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
The largest gap is on average weekly pay: Evansville, Indiana sits 20% above the Indiana baseline.
How CDL pay breaks down in Evansville, Indiana
Across active CDL postings in Evansville, Indiana 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) | $2,257 | $2,100 | 766 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,577 | $1,540 | 545 |
| Owner Operator | $7,049 | $7,000 | 374 |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
Lane mix and benefits across Evansville, Indiana
Of active CDL postings in Evansville, Indiana this month, 13% are regional and 85% are OTR (long-haul). Local and semi-local routes account for the remaining 2%.
Across Evansville, Indiana CDL postings: 2% with guaranteed pay, 28% dedicated, 89% take-truck-home, 70% pet-friendly, 67% riders-allowed.
Driving CDL in Indiana
Indiana freight centers on Indianapolis as a major Midwest crossroads — I-65, I-70, I-74, and I-69 all intersect here. Automotive parts (Subaru, Honda, Toyota plus Tier-1 suppliers), pharmaceutical distribution tied to Eli Lilly, FedEx Indianapolis (FedEx's second hub after Memphis Worldhub), and Amazon regional fulfillment all drive consistent lane demand. Cost of living is below the national average. Indiana has a low flat state income tax — among the lower rates in the Midwest. Northwest Indiana (Gary/Hammond) is steel-and-chemical industrial; treat it as Chicago-overflow.
Related guides
- Best trucking companies in Evansville, Indiana
- Best owner-operator companies in Evansville, Indiana
- CDL driver salary in Indiana
The methodology behind the rankings
Lanefinder's ranking algorithm weights compensation at 30%, FMCSA SAFER safety at 25%, benefits at 25%, and operational performance at 20%. Compensation reflects pay percentile plus sign-on bonus, guaranteed pay, and settlement-frequency adjustments. Benefits scoring is hiring-type-aware. Operational performance comes mostly from how carriers handle real driver applications. Updated November 2026.