Updated September 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Meridian, Idaho (September 2026)
Meridian, Idaho's CDL drivers earn $2,963 per week on average, $2,200 median, as of September 2026. Based on 1,075 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 33% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,106. Idaho freight runs on I-84 / I-86 through the Snake River Plain, with large agricultural exports of potatoes, dairy, and barley and the Boise metro serving as the main regional distribution center.
What changed in September 2026
We just started tracking monthly changes for this view. Check back next month to see how rankings have shifted.
Where Meridian, Idaho differs from the Idaho baseline
The largest gap is on average weekly pay: Meridian, Idaho sits 14% above the Idaho baseline.
Meridian, Idaho CDL salary by hiring type
Across active CDL postings in Meridian, Idaho 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) | $2,397 | $2,200 | 474 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,594 | $1,550 | 324 |
| Owner Operator | $7,312 | $7,500 | 277 |
Source: Lanefinder index, September 2026
What Meridian, Idaho drivers actually run
Of active CDL postings in Meridian, Idaho this month, 9% are regional and 89% are OTR (long-haul). Local and semi-local routes account for the remaining 2%.
Across Meridian, Idaho CDL postings: 2% with guaranteed pay, 28% dedicated, 87% take-truck-home, 70% pet-friendly, 68% riders-allowed.
Driving CDL in Idaho
Idaho CDL work runs on I-84 / I-86 through the Snake River Plain, with Boise serving as the regional distribution hub. Agricultural exports — potatoes, dairy, barley — generate heavy outbound reefer freight, especially in late summer and fall. Boise's growing semiconductor sector (Micron) and broader tech presence add high-value freight. Cost of living in the Boise metro is rising but stays below the West Coast metros. Idaho has a moderate graduated state income tax. Winter on US-95 north of Boise is more severe than newcomers expect.
Related guides
- Best trucking companies in Meridian, Idaho
- Best owner-operator companies in Meridian, Idaho
- CDL driver salary in Idaho
Where this data comes from
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 September 2026.