Updated May 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Kenosha, Wisconsin (May 2026)
Kenosha, Wisconsin, May 2026: CDL drivers average $2,548/week (median $1,975). Based on 1,614 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 30% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,086. 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.
How Kenosha, Wisconsin compares to Wisconsin
| Kenosha, Wisconsin | Wisconsin | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,548 | $2,211 | +15% |
| Take-truck-home | 86% | 81% | +5 pt |
| Pet-friendly fleets | 70% | 65% | +5 pt |
| OTR (long-haul) routes | 83% | 75% | +8 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, May 2026
Kenosha, Wisconsin's biggest divergence from Wisconsin is on average weekly pay, 15% above the state baseline.
How CDL pay breaks down in Kenosha, Wisconsin
Across active CDL postings in Kenosha, 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) | $2,208 | $2,000 | 704 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,526 | $1,500 | 540 |
| Owner Operator | $7,149 | $7,250 | 370 |
Source: Lanefinder index, May 2026
What Kenosha, Wisconsin drivers actually run
Of active CDL postings in Kenosha, Wisconsin this month, 12% are regional and 83% are OTR (long-haul). Local and semi-local routes account for the remaining 5%.
Guaranteed pay is on offer at 1% of Kenosha, Wisconsin postings; dedicated routes at 28%; take-truck-home at 86%. Pet-friendly policies appear at 70% and riders-allowed at 67%.
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 Kenosha, Wisconsin
- Best owner-operator companies in Kenosha, Wisconsin
- CDL driver salary in Wisconsin
The methodology behind the rankings
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.