Updated May 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Hackensack, New Jersey (May 2026)
Through May 2026, Hackensack, New Jersey CDL drivers earn $2,651 per week on average. The median is $2,000; the distribution by hiring type and the active-posting count both follow. Based on 1,386 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 31% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,066. New Jersey is the primary Northeast freight gateway through Port Newark / Elizabeth — the busiest container port on the East Coast — with the NJ Turnpike (I-95) and dense intermodal facilities serving the New York metro market.
What changed in May 2026
We just started tracking monthly changes for this view. Check back next month to see how rankings have shifted.
Where Hackensack, New Jersey differs from the New Jersey baseline
| Hackensack, New Jersey | New Jersey | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,651 | $2,392 | +11% |
| Take-truck-home | 83% | 78% | +5 pt |
| Pet-friendly fleets | 67% | 62% | +5 pt |
| OTR (long-haul) routes | 83% | 74% | +9 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, May 2026
The largest gap is on average weekly pay: Hackensack, New Jersey sits 11% above the New Jersey baseline.
What CDL drivers are earning across Hackensack, New Jersey
Across active CDL postings in Hackensack, New Jersey 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) | $2,225 | $2,042 | 628 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,579 | $1,521 | 429 |
| Owner Operator | $7,312 | $7,500 | 329 |
Source: Lanefinder index, May 2026
How drivers spend their time on the road in Hackensack, New Jersey
Of active CDL postings in Hackensack, New Jersey this month, 11% are regional and 83% are OTR (long-haul). Local and semi-local routes account for the remaining 6%.
Across Hackensack, New Jersey CDL postings: 1% with guaranteed pay, 30% dedicated, 83% take-truck-home, 67% pet-friendly, 64% riders-allowed.
Driving CDL in New Jersey
New Jersey is the primary Northeast freight gateway through Port Newark-Elizabeth — the busiest container port on the East Coast — with the NJ Turnpike (I-95) and dense intermodal facilities feeding the New York metro market. Drayage out of the port is the largest single CDL segment. Cost of living is high; New Jersey state income tax is high and graduated (peaks above 10%). Bridge tolls and truck-route restrictions on the Garden State Parkway (no trucks allowed) and certain Hudson crossings add planning overhead. NJ Turnpike traffic is consistently in the worst US tier.
Related guides
- Best trucking companies in Hackensack, New Jersey
- Best owner-operator companies in Hackensack, New Jersey
- CDL driver salary in New Jersey
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 May 2026.