Updated May 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Janesville, Wisconsin (May 2026)
In Janesville, Wisconsin as of May 2026, the average weekly CDL pay is $2,579 with a median of $2,000. Both figures are computed against currently-active job postings, not historical surveys. Based on 1,574 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 30% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,118. 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 May 2026
We just started tracking monthly changes for this view. Check back next month to see how rankings have shifted.
Where Janesville, Wisconsin differs from the Wisconsin baseline
| Janesville, Wisconsin | Wisconsin | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,579 | $2,211 | +17% |
| Take-truck-home | 88% | 81% | +7 pt |
| Pet-friendly fleets | 71% | 65% | +6 pt |
| Riders-allowed policies | 68% | 63% | +5 pt |
| OTR (long-haul) routes | 86% | 75% | +11 pt |
| Local routes | 2% | 7% | -5 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, May 2026
The largest gap is on average weekly pay: Janesville, Wisconsin sits 17% above the Wisconsin baseline.
Janesville, Wisconsin CDL salary by hiring type
Across active CDL postings in Janesville, 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) | $2,225 | $2,000 | 694 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,541 | $1,500 | 513 |
| Owner Operator | $7,154 | $7,200 | 367 |
Source: Lanefinder index, May 2026
How drivers spend their time on the road in Janesville, Wisconsin
Of active CDL postings in Janesville, Wisconsin this month, 12% are regional and 86% are OTR (long-haul). Local and semi-local routes account for the remaining 2%.
Guaranteed pay is on offer at 1% of Janesville, Wisconsin postings; dedicated routes at 27%; take-truck-home at 88%. Pet-friendly policies appear at 71% and riders-allowed at 68%.
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 Janesville, Wisconsin
- Best owner-operator companies in Janesville, Wisconsin
- CDL driver salary in Wisconsin
Where this data comes from
Four weighted components. Compensation carries 30% and includes pay percentile, sign-on bonus tier, guaranteed-pay availability, and settlement frequency. FMCSA safety carries 25%, built from five SAFER dimensions. Benefits carry 25%, scored separately for W2 versus owner-operator carriers. Operational performance carries 20%, measuring application responsiveness and fleet scale. Updated May 2026.