Updated November 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Meridian, Idaho (November 2026)
Meridian, Idaho's CDL drivers earn $2,850 per week on average, $2,150 median, as of November 2026. Based on 1,076 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 32% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,101. 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 November 2026
No major rank changes this month — the top carriers have held their positions since October 2026.
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 | 486 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,592 | $1,550 | 318 |
| Owner Operator | $7,310 | $7,500 | 272 |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 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, 69% pet-friendly, 68% riders-allowed.
Where Meridian, Idaho differs from the Idaho baseline
The largest gap is on average weekly pay: Meridian, Idaho sits 10% above the Idaho baseline.
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 flat 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 November 2026.