Updated November 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Minneapolis, Minnesota (November 2026)
Minneapolis, Minnesota's CDL drivers earn $2,599 per week on average, $2,000 median, as of November 2026. Based on 1,425 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 31% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $1,984. Minneapolis is the Twin Cities' western freight anchor on I-35W / I-94 / I-494, with large agricultural export volumes, medical device manufacturing (Medtronic, Boston Scientific), and dense regional distribution for the Upper Midwest.
What changed in November 2026
No major rank changes this month — the top carriers have held their positions since October 2026.
Minneapolis, Minnesota CDL salary by hiring type
Across active CDL postings in Minneapolis, 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) | $2,338 | $2,150 | 641 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,553 | $1,500 | 454 |
| Owner Operator | $7,196 | $7,500 | 330 |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
Lane mix and benefits across Minneapolis, Minnesota
9% of Minneapolis, Minnesota's active CDL postings are regional and 88% are OTR; local plus semi-local accounts for the rest (3%).
Across Minneapolis, Minnesota CDL postings: 1% with guaranteed pay, 29% dedicated, 86% take-truck-home, 69% pet-friendly, 68% riders-allowed.
How Minneapolis, Minnesota compares to Minnesota
The largest gap is on average weekly pay: Minneapolis, Minnesota sits 12% above the Minnesota baseline.
Driving CDL in Minneapolis
Minneapolis CDL work runs the I-35 / I-94 Twin Cities metro grid. Medical-device manufacturing (Medtronic, others), agricultural exports through Duluth, and dense metro distribution fill out the regional load boards. Sub-zero winter stretches are normal; fuel gelling and idle-time policy matter. Cost of living is moderate.
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 Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Best owner-operator companies in Minneapolis, Minnesota
- CDL driver salary in Minnesota
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.