Updated November 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Kennewick, Washington (November 2026)
Kennewick, Washington CDL drivers average $2,860 per week, median $2,200, as of November 2026. Pay varies meaningfully by hiring type — the breakdown by W2, owner-op, and 1099 is below. Based on 1,063 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 32% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,062. Washington freight flows through the Port of Seattle and Port of Tacoma — a major West Coast container complex — with I-5 north-south and I-90 east-west carrying forest-products, agricultural exports from the Yakima Valley, and technology freight.
What changed in November 2026
- median weekly pay rose by 2.3% ($2,150 → $2,200).
How Kennewick, Washington compares to Washington
| Kennewick, Washington | Washington | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,860 | $2,579 | +11% |
| OTR (long-haul) routes | 89% | 81% | +8 pt |
| Local routes | 1% | 6% | -5 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
Among the figures above, average weekly pay is where Kennewick, Washington differs most from Washington — 11% above statewide.
Kennewick, Washington CDL salary by hiring type
Across active CDL postings in Kennewick, Washington 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) | $2,389 | $2,212 | 488 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,615 | $1,542 | 307 |
| Owner Operator | $7,339 | $7,500 | 268 |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
What Kennewick, Washington drivers actually run
Of active CDL postings in Kennewick, Washington this month, 9% are regional and 89% are OTR (long-haul). Local and semi-local routes account for the remaining 2%.
Guaranteed pay is on offer at 2% of Kennewick, Washington postings; dedicated routes at 29%; take-truck-home at 87%. Pet-friendly policies appear at 70% and riders-allowed at 67%.
Driving CDL in Washington
Washington freight flows through the Port of Seattle and Port of Tacoma — a major West Coast container complex — with I-5 north-south and I-90 east-west carrying forest-products freight, agricultural exports from the Yakima Valley (apples, hops, wine grapes), and technology-sector loads. Mountain passes (Snoqualmie on I-90, Stevens on US-2) are aggressive winter operational variables; chain laws apply liberally from November through March (commercial vehicles must carry chains Nov 1 to Apr 1). Cost of living is high in the Puget Sound metros. Washington has no state income tax — meaningful comp pull for drivers based here.
Related guides
- Best trucking companies in Kennewick, Washington
- Best owner-operator companies in Kennewick, Washington
- CDL driver salary in Washington
Where this data comes from
Compensation (30%): pay percentile + sign-on bonus + guaranteed pay + settlement frequency. FMCSA safety (25%): weighted percentile across vehicle maintenance, unsafe driving, hours-of-service, driver fitness, and controlled substances. Benefits (25%): hiring-type-aware. Operational (20%): driver-application responsiveness, modulated by fleet scale. Updated November 2026.