Updated November 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Kokomo, Indiana (November 2026)
Kokomo, Indiana CDL drivers average $2,405 per week, median $1,975, as of November 2026. Pay varies meaningfully by hiring type — the breakdown by W2, owner-op, and 1099 is below. Based on 1,724 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 32% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $1,982. Indiana freight centers on Indianapolis as a major Midwest crossroads, where I-65 / I-70 / I-74 intersect, supporting automotive supply chains, pharmaceuticals, and a large steel-producing northwest corridor near Gary.
What changed in November 2026
- median weekly pay rose by 1.3% ($1,950 → $1,975).
How Kokomo, Indiana compares to Indiana
| Kokomo, Indiana | Indiana | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,405 | $2,019 | +19% |
| Take-truck-home | 88% | 78% | +10 pt |
| Pet-friendly fleets | 70% | 62% | +8 pt |
| Riders-allowed policies | 67% | 61% | +6 pt |
| OTR (long-haul) routes | 84% | 71% | +13 pt |
| Local routes | 1% | 8% | -7 pt |
| Regional routes | 14% | 19% | -5 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
Among the figures above, average weekly pay is where Kokomo, Indiana differs most from Indiana — 19% above statewide.
Kokomo, Indiana CDL salary by hiring type
Across active CDL postings in Kokomo, Indiana 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) | $2,257 | $2,075 | 772 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,564 | $1,500 | 570 |
| Owner Operator | $7,069 | $7,000 | 382 |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
What Kokomo, Indiana drivers actually run
The route mix in Kokomo, Indiana this month tilts OTR: 14% regional, 84% OTR, 1% local, 0% semi-local — drawn from active postings, not historical surveys.
Guaranteed pay is on offer at 2% of Kokomo, Indiana postings; dedicated routes at 28%; take-truck-home at 88%. Pet-friendly policies appear at 70% and riders-allowed at 67%.
Driving CDL in Indiana
Indiana freight centers on Indianapolis as a major Midwest crossroads — I-65, I-70, I-74, and I-69 all intersect here. Automotive parts (Subaru, Honda, Toyota plus Tier-1 suppliers), pharmaceutical distribution tied to Eli Lilly, FedEx Indianapolis (FedEx's second hub after Memphis Worldhub), and Amazon regional fulfillment all drive consistent lane demand. Cost of living is below the national average. Indiana has a low flat state income tax — among the lower rates in the Midwest. Northwest Indiana (Gary/Hammond) is steel-and-chemical industrial; treat it as Chicago-overflow.
Related guides
- Best trucking companies in Kokomo, Indiana
- Best owner-operator companies in Kokomo, Indiana
- CDL driver salary in Indiana
Where this data comes from
Rankings combine four signals: compensation (30%) including pay percentile, sign-on bonuses, guaranteed pay, and settlement frequency; FMCSA safety (25%); benefits (25%) scored differently for W2 vs owner-operator carriers; and operational performance (20%) measuring employer responsiveness and fleet scale. Recomputed monthly from real active job postings. Updated November 2026.