Updated November 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Mankato, Minnesota (November 2026)
Mankato, Minnesota, November 2026: CDL drivers average $2,545/week (median $2,000). Based on 1,405 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 31% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $1,991. Minnesota freight moves on the I-35 / I-94 Twin Cities metro grid and reaches the Great Lakes at Duluth, with large agricultural export volumes — soybeans, corn, and wheat — and a significant medical-device manufacturing sector.
What changed in November 2026
No major rank changes this month — the top carriers have held their positions since October 2026.
How Mankato, Minnesota compares to Minnesota
| Mankato, Minnesota | Minnesota | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,545 | $2,324 | +10% |
| OTR (long-haul) routes | 89% | 84% | +5 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
Mankato, Minnesota's biggest divergence from Minnesota is on average weekly pay, 10% above the state baseline.
What CDL drivers are earning across Mankato, Minnesota
Across active CDL postings in Mankato, Minnesota 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) | $2,359 | $2,150 | 636 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,585 | $1,550 | 438 |
| Owner Operator | $7,190 | $7,500 | 331 |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
Lane mix and benefits across Mankato, Minnesota
Of active CDL postings in Mankato, Minnesota this month, 9% are regional and 89% are OTR (long-haul). Local and semi-local routes account for the remaining 2%.
Across Mankato, Minnesota CDL postings: 2% with guaranteed pay, 29% dedicated, 88% take-truck-home, 71% pet-friendly, 69% riders-allowed.
Driving CDL in Minnesota
Minnesota freight moves on the I-35 / I-94 Twin Cities grid and reaches the Great Lakes at Duluth, a significant Lake Superior port. Agricultural exports — soybeans, corn, wheat — drive heavy outbound volume. A significant medical-device manufacturing sector (Medtronic and others) generates high-value freight. Winter is the dominant operational variable: sub-zero stretches affect equipment, idle-time policy, and HOS realism. Minnesota has a high graduated state income tax — among the higher rates in the country. First-time Twin Cities runs should check truck-route restrictions carefully.
Related guides
- Best trucking companies in Mankato, Minnesota
- Best owner-operator companies in Mankato, Minnesota
- CDL driver salary in Minnesota
How we compile these rankings
Pay carriers against each other within the same market (30%). Layer a weighted FMCSA SAFER safety percentile on top (25%). Score the benefits package against what actually matters for the hiring type — W2 health/financial benefits or owner-op operational perks (25%). Finish with operational performance: responsiveness to driver applications plus fleet scale (20%). All percentiles are recomputed monthly. Updated November 2026.