Updated May 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Lakewood, Washington (May 2026)
Through May 2026, the average CDL driver in Lakewood, Washington earns $2,995 per week (median $2,150). Based on 1,048 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 31% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,021. 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 May 2026
We just started tracking monthly changes for this view. Check back next month to see how rankings have shifted.
Where Lakewood, Washington differs from the Washington baseline
| Lakewood, Washington | Washington | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,995 | $2,728 | +10% |
| OTR (long-haul) routes | 86% | 81% | +5 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, May 2026
Among the figures above, average weekly pay is where Lakewood, Washington differs most from Washington — 10% above statewide.
Lakewood, Washington CDL salary by hiring type
Across active CDL postings in Lakewood, 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) | $2,268 | $2,100 | 457 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,616 | $1,527 | 313 |
| Owner Operator | $7,396 | $7,500 | 278 |
Source: Lanefinder index, May 2026
What Lakewood, Washington drivers actually run
10% of Lakewood, Washington's active CDL postings are regional and 86% are OTR; local plus semi-local accounts for the rest (4%).
Across Lakewood, Washington CDL postings: 1% with guaranteed pay, 27% dedicated, 87% take-truck-home, 71% pet-friendly, 68% 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 on I-90 (Snoqualmie, Stevens) are aggressive winter operational variables; chain laws apply liberally from November through April. 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 Lakewood, Washington
- Best owner-operator companies in Lakewood, Washington
- CDL driver salary in Washington
Where this data comes from
Compensation, FMCSA safety, benefits, and operational performance — weighted 30, 25, 25, and 20 percent respectively. Compensation extends beyond headline pay to include sign-on bonus tier and settlement cadence. Benefits scoring differs by hiring type because the perks that matter to a W2 driver and a contractor are not the same. Updated May 2026.