Updated November 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Fairfield, Ohio (November 2026)
Fairfield, Ohio CDL drivers earn $2,385 per week on average (median $1,950) as of November 2026. Based on 1,728 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 32% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,033. 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 November 2026
No major rank changes this month — the top carriers have held their positions since October 2026.
Fairfield, Ohio vs Ohio: the numbers that diverge
| Fairfield, Ohio | Ohio | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,385 | $2,104 | +13% |
| Take-truck-home | 87% | 79% | +8 pt |
| Riders-allowed policies | 67% | 60% | +7 pt |
| Pet-friendly fleets | 69% | 63% | +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, November 2026
Among the figures above, average weekly pay is where Fairfield, Ohio differs most from Ohio — 13% above statewide.
What CDL drivers are earning across Fairfield, Ohio
Across active CDL postings in Fairfield, 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) | $2,249 | $2,050 | 756 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,543 | $1,500 | 591 |
| Owner Operator | $7,084 | $7,000 | 381 |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
Lane mix and benefits across Fairfield, Ohio
15% of Fairfield, Ohio's active CDL postings are regional and 82% are OTR; local plus semi-local accounts for the rest (3%).
Guaranteed pay is on offer at 2% of Fairfield, Ohio postings; dedicated routes at 28%; take-truck-home at 87%. Pet-friendly policies appear at 69% and riders-allowed at 67%.
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 and distribution among them). 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 Fairfield, Ohio
- Best owner-operator companies in Fairfield, Ohio
- CDL driver salary in Ohio
How we compile these 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.