Updated May 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Moorhead, Minnesota (May 2026)
$2,702/week — that's the average CDL driver wage in Moorhead, Minnesota as of May 2026. Median weekly pay sits at $2,040, computed against active postings in Lanefinder's index. Based on 1,285 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 30% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,096. 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 May 2026
We just started tracking monthly changes for this view. Check back next month to see how rankings have shifted.
Moorhead, Minnesota vs Minnesota: the numbers that diverge
| Moorhead, Minnesota | Minnesota | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,702 | $2,405 | +12% |
| OTR (long-haul) routes | 90% | 84% | +6 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, May 2026
The largest gap is on average weekly pay: Moorhead, Minnesota sits 12% above the Minnesota baseline.
What CDL drivers are earning across Moorhead, Minnesota
Across active CDL postings in Moorhead, 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) | $2,262 | $2,100 | 572 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,596 | $1,575 | 388 |
| Owner Operator | $7,209 | $7,375 | 325 |
Source: Lanefinder index, May 2026
How drivers spend their time on the road in Moorhead, Minnesota
8% of Moorhead, Minnesota's active CDL postings are regional and 90% are OTR; local plus semi-local accounts for the rest (2%).
Across Moorhead, Minnesota CDL postings: 1% with guaranteed pay, 27% dedicated, 88% take-truck-home, 73% pet-friendly, 70% riders-allowed.
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. The Twin Cities have unusually-designed truck-restricted bridges; first-time runs should consult routing notes carefully.
Related guides
- Best trucking companies in Moorhead, Minnesota
- Best owner-operator companies in Moorhead, Minnesota
- CDL driver salary in Minnesota
How we compile these rankings
Lanefinder's ranking algorithm weights compensation at 30%, FMCSA SAFER safety at 25%, benefits at 25%, and operational performance at 20%. Compensation reflects pay percentile plus sign-on bonus, guaranteed pay, and settlement-frequency adjustments. Benefits scoring is hiring-type-aware. Operational performance comes mostly from how carriers handle real driver applications. Updated May 2026.