Updated November 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Minnetonka, Minnesota (November 2026)
As of November 2026, CDL drivers in Minnetonka, Minnesota are earning a weekly average of $2,594 (median $2,000). Based on 1,431 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 31% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $1,979. 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.
What CDL drivers are earning across Minnetonka, Minnesota
Across active CDL postings in Minnetonka, 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) | $2,340 | $2,150 | 639 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,554 | $1,500 | 459 |
| Owner Operator | $7,191 | $7,500 | 333 |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
Lane mix and benefits across Minnetonka, Minnesota
10% of Minnetonka, Minnesota's active CDL postings are regional and 87% are OTR; local plus semi-local accounts for the rest (3%).
Guaranteed pay is on offer at 1% of Minnetonka, Minnesota postings; dedicated routes at 29%; take-truck-home at 86%. Pet-friendly policies appear at 69% and riders-allowed at 68%.
Where Minnetonka, Minnesota differs from the Minnesota baseline
Among the figures above, average weekly pay is where Minnetonka, Minnesota differs most from Minnesota — 12% above statewide.
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 Minnetonka, Minnesota
- Best owner-operator companies in Minnetonka, Minnesota
- CDL driver salary in Minnesota
How we compile these rankings
Composite-score formula: compensation × 0.30, FMCSA safety × 0.25, benefits × 0.25, operational performance × 0.20. Compensation is anchored on pay percentile and lifted by sign-on bonus tier and guaranteed-pay availability. Operational performance is built mostly from driver-application response data in Lanefinder's platform, with fleet-scale percentile contributing a smaller portion. Updated November 2026.