Updated November 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Lima, Ohio (November 2026)
CDL drivers in Lima, Ohio earn $2,399 per week on average through November 2026. The median is $1,950, drawn from active job postings rather than survey self-reports. Based on 1,694 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 32% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,010. 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
No major rank changes this month — the top carriers have held their positions since October 2026.
How Lima, Ohio compares to Ohio
| Lima, Ohio | Ohio | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,399 | $2,104 | +14% |
| Take-truck-home | 88% | 79% | +9 pt |
| Riders-allowed policies | 68% | 60% | +8 pt |
| Pet-friendly fleets | 70% | 63% | +7 pt |
| OTR (long-haul) routes | 84% | 71% | +13 pt |
| Local routes | 1% | 7% | -6 pt |
| Regional routes | 15% | 20% | -5 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
Among the figures above, average weekly pay is where Lima, Ohio differs most from Ohio — 14% above statewide.
How CDL pay breaks down in Lima, Ohio
Across active CDL postings in Lima, 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) | $2,257 | $2,050 | 748 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,566 | $1,500 | 569 |
| Owner Operator | $7,105 | $7,000 | 377 |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
What Lima, Ohio drivers actually run
The route mix in Lima, Ohio this month tilts OTR: 15% regional, 84% OTR, 1% local, 0% semi-local — drawn from active postings, not historical surveys.
Across Lima, Ohio CDL postings: 2% with guaranteed pay, 28% dedicated, 88% take-truck-home, 70% pet-friendly, 68% riders-allowed.
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 Lima, Ohio
- Best owner-operator companies in Lima, Ohio
- CDL driver salary in Ohio
Where this data comes from
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 November 2026.