Updated September 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Lafayette, Indiana (September 2026)
In Lafayette, Indiana as of September 2026, the typical CDL driver brings home $2,408 per week (median $1,950). Based on 1,714 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 33% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $1,946. 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 September 2026
We just started tracking monthly changes for this view. Check back next month to see how rankings have shifted.
How Lafayette, Indiana compares to Indiana
| Lafayette, Indiana | Indiana | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,408 | $2,009 | +20% |
| Take-truck-home | 89% | 78% | +11 pt |
| Pet-friendly fleets | 71% | 63% | +8 pt |
| Riders-allowed policies | 67% | 60% | +7 pt |
| OTR (long-haul) routes | 84% | 70% | +14 pt |
| Local routes | 1% | 8% | -7 pt |
| Regional routes | 14% | 20% | -6 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, September 2026
The largest gap is on average weekly pay: Lafayette, Indiana sits 20% above the Indiana baseline.
What CDL drivers are earning across Lafayette, Indiana
Across active CDL postings in Lafayette, 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) | $2,246 | $2,050 | 764 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,557 | $1,500 | 566 |
| Owner Operator | $7,049 | $7,000 | 384 |
Source: Lanefinder index, September 2026
What Lafayette, Indiana drivers actually run
Of active CDL postings in Lafayette, Indiana this month, 14% are regional and 84% are OTR (long-haul). Local and semi-local routes account for the remaining 2%.
Across Lafayette, Indiana CDL postings: 3% with guaranteed pay, 27% dedicated, 89% take-truck-home, 71% pet-friendly, 67% riders-allowed.
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 Lafayette, Indiana
- Best owner-operator companies in Lafayette, Indiana
- CDL driver salary in Indiana
How we compile these rankings
The composite score is 30% compensation, 25% FMCSA safety, 25% benefits, and 20% operational performance. Pay percentiles are computed against carriers currently hiring in each market; FMCSA percentiles come from SAFER and weight unsafe-driving and hours-of-service violations 2× heavier than the other three dimensions. Updated September 2026.