Updated May 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Kennewick, Washington (May 2026)
Kennewick, Washington CDL drivers average $2,986 per week, median $2,150, as of May 2026. Pay varies meaningfully by hiring type — the breakdown by W2, owner-op, and 1099 is below. Based on 1,047 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 31% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,088. 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 May 2026
We just started tracking monthly changes for this view. Check back next month to see how rankings have shifted.
How Kennewick, Washington compares to Washington
| Kennewick, Washington | Washington | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,986 | $2,728 | +9% |
| OTR (long-haul) routes | 88% | 81% | +7 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, May 2026
Among the figures above, average weekly pay is where Kennewick, Washington differs most from Washington — 9% 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) | $2,259 | $2,100 | 457 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,607 | $1,535 | 312 |
| Owner Operator | $7,377 | $7,500 | 278 |
Source: Lanefinder index, May 2026
What Kennewick, Washington drivers actually run
Of active CDL postings in Kennewick, Washington this month, 9% are regional and 88% are OTR (long-haul). Local and semi-local routes account for the remaining 3%.
Guaranteed pay is on offer at 1% of Kennewick, Washington postings; dedicated routes at 27%; take-truck-home at 87%. Pet-friendly policies appear at 71% and riders-allowed at 69%.
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 on I-90 (Snoqualmie, Stevens) are aggressive winter operational variables; chain laws apply liberally from November through April. 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 May 2026.