Updated November 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Minnesota (November 2026)
$2,324/week — that's the average CDL driver wage in Minnesota as of November 2026. Median weekly pay sits at $1,900, computed against active postings in Lanefinder's index. Based on 1,700 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 30% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $1,989. 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.
Minnesota CDL salary by hiring type
Across active CDL postings in 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) | $2,279 | $2,100 | 715 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,504 | $1,488 | 628 |
| Owner Operator | $7,085 | $7,000 | 357 |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
How drivers spend their time on the road in Minnesota
12% of Minnesota's active CDL postings are regional and 84% are OTR; local plus semi-local accounts for the rest (4%).
Guaranteed pay is on offer at 2% of Minnesota postings; dedicated routes at 29%; take-truck-home at 85%. Pet-friendly policies appear at 68% and riders-allowed at 66%.
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 Minnesota
- Best owner-operator companies in Minnesota
- CDL driver salary in the United States
Where this data comes from
Four weighted components. Compensation carries 30% and includes pay percentile, sign-on bonus tier, guaranteed-pay availability, and settlement frequency. FMCSA safety carries 25%, built from five SAFER dimensions. Benefits carry 25%, scored separately for W2 versus owner-operator carriers. Operational performance carries 20%, measuring application responsiveness and fleet scale. Updated November 2026.