Updated November 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Kirkland, Washington (November 2026)
Kirkland, Washington CDL drivers average $2,860 per week, median $2,150, as of November 2026. Pay varies meaningfully by hiring type — the breakdown by W2, owner-op, and 1099 is below. Based on 1,066 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 32% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,020. 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
No major rank changes this month — the top carriers have held their positions since October 2026.
Kirkland, Washington vs Washington: the numbers that diverge
| Kirkland, Washington | Washington | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,860 | $2,579 | +11% |
| OTR (long-haul) routes | 87% | 81% | +6 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
Kirkland, Washington's biggest divergence from Washington is on average weekly pay, 11% above the state baseline.
What CDL drivers are earning across Kirkland, Washington
Across active CDL postings in Kirkland, 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) | $2,391 | $2,200 | 484 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,615 | $1,525 | 315 |
| Owner Operator | $7,439 | $7,500 | 267 |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
Lane mix and benefits across Kirkland, Washington
The route mix in Kirkland, Washington this month tilts OTR: 9% regional, 87% OTR, 2% local, 1% semi-local — drawn from active postings, not historical surveys.
Across Kirkland, Washington CDL postings: 2% with guaranteed pay, 29% dedicated, 87% take-truck-home, 69% pet-friendly, 66% riders-allowed.
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 Kirkland, Washington
- Best owner-operator companies in Kirkland, Washington
- CDL driver salary in Washington
How we compile these rankings
Compensation is the largest single weight at 30% — pay percentile, sign-on bonus, guaranteed-pay availability, and settlement cadence. FMCSA safety contributes 25%, built from five SAFER dimensions with unsafe-driving and hours-of-service weighted 2× heavier. Benefits contribute 25%, scored separately for W2 versus owner-operator and 1099 carriers. Operational performance — application responsiveness and fleet scale — contributes 20%. Updated November 2026.