Updated November 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Lakewood, Ohio (November 2026)
Lakewood, Ohio, November 2026: CDL drivers average $2,390/week (median $1,950). Based on 1,684 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 31% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $1,977. Ohio sits at the center of the US manufacturing belt, with I-70 / I-71 / I-75 forming a freight grid through Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati and major automotive, steel, and chemical supply chains driving consistent lane demand.
What changed in November 2026
- average weekly pay fell by 3.6% ($2,479 → $2,390).
- median weekly pay fell by 2.5% ($2,000 → $1,950).
- average sign-on bonus rose by 1.3% ($1,952 → $1,977).
Where Lakewood, Ohio differs from the Ohio baseline
| Lakewood, Ohio | Ohio | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,390 | $2,104 | +14% |
| Take-truck-home | 86% | 79% | +7 pt |
| Riders-allowed policies | 67% | 60% | +7 pt |
| Pet-friendly fleets | 68% | 63% | +5 pt |
| OTR (long-haul) routes | 82% | 71% | +11 pt |
| Local routes | 2% | 7% | -5 pt |
| Regional routes | 15% | 20% | -5 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
Lakewood, Ohio's biggest divergence from Ohio is on average weekly pay, 14% above the state baseline.
How CDL pay breaks down in Lakewood, Ohio
Across active CDL postings in Lakewood, Ohio 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) | $2,253 | $2,100 | 747 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,552 | $1,500 | 568 |
| Owner Operator | $7,111 | $7,000 | 369 |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
What Lakewood, Ohio drivers actually run
15% of Lakewood, Ohio's active CDL postings are regional and 82% are OTR; local plus semi-local accounts for the rest (3%).
Guaranteed pay is on offer at 2% of Lakewood, Ohio postings; dedicated routes at 29%; take-truck-home at 86%. Pet-friendly policies appear at 68% and riders-allowed at 67%.
Driving CDL in Ohio
Ohio sits at the center of the US manufacturing belt and runs about as much through-freight as any state. I-70, I-71, I-75, and the Ohio Turnpike form a freight grid that's flat, generally well-maintained, and forgiving for newer drivers — Ohio is one of the better states to gain initial OTR experience. The Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati metros each anchor distinct lane profiles (auto and distribution among them). Winter operational risk is real — lake-effect off Erie, freezing rain in the central part of the state — but less extreme than the Great Plains states. Ohio cost of living is below the national average, which makes the income math work better than the headline pay numbers suggest.
Related guides
- Best trucking companies in Lakewood, Ohio
- Best owner-operator companies in Lakewood, Ohio
- CDL driver salary in Ohio
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 November 2026.