Updated November 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Norfolk, Virginia (November 2026)
Active CDL job postings in Norfolk, Virginia pay $2,711/week on average (median $2,100) through November 2026. Based on 1,364 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 30% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $1,931. Norfolk anchors the Hampton Roads port complex, one of the deepest natural harbors on the East Coast and home to NATO's Allied Command Transformation, with container, ro-ro, and military freight on I-64 / I-264 connecting to I-95.
What changed in November 2026
- average weekly pay fell by 4.8% ($2,849 → $2,711).
- median weekly pay fell by 2.3% ($2,150 → $2,100).
- average sign-on bonus rose by 1.8% ($1,897 → $1,931).
Where Norfolk, Virginia differs from the Virginia baseline
| Norfolk, Virginia | Virginia | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,711 | $2,275 | +19% |
| Take-truck-home | 89% | 83% | +6 pt |
| Pet-friendly fleets | 70% | 65% | +5 pt |
| Riders-allowed policies | 68% | 63% | +5 pt |
| OTR (long-haul) routes | 88% | 77% | +11 pt |
| Regional routes | 11% | 18% | -7 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
Among the figures above, average weekly pay is where Norfolk, Virginia differs most from Virginia — 19% above statewide.
What CDL drivers are earning across Norfolk, Virginia
Across active CDL postings in Norfolk, Virginia 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) | $2,277 | $2,100 | 643 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,633 | $1,600 | 391 |
| Owner Operator | $7,286 | $7,500 | 330 |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
Lane mix and benefits across Norfolk, Virginia
11% of Norfolk, Virginia's active CDL postings are regional and 88% are OTR; local plus semi-local accounts for the rest (1%).
Across Norfolk, Virginia CDL postings: 2% with guaranteed pay, 28% dedicated, 89% take-truck-home, 70% pet-friendly, 68% riders-allowed.
Driving CDL in Norfolk
Norfolk anchors Hampton Roads — one of the largest natural harbors on the East Coast and the deepest commercial channel on the US East Coast following the completed 55-foot Gateway dredging. Port of Virginia drayage dominates; Navy and military logistics adds volume; I-64 (HRBT) / I-264 / I-664 (MMMBT) connect the metro. Hurricane season is significant. Cost of living is moderate. TWIC required for port terminal access.
Driving CDL in Virginia
Virginia freight is anchored by the Port of Virginia at Norfolk and Hampton Roads — the deepest commercial harbor on the East Coast and a top-tier US container gateway. The I-95 / I-64 / I-81 truck corridors connect Norfolk to mid-Atlantic and Southeast markets, with I-81 north-south through the Shenandoah Valley a major regional freight spine. Cost of living varies widely (high in Northern Virginia, moderate elsewhere). Virginia has a moderate graduated state income tax. Northern Virginia (DC suburbs) congestion is consistently top-tier; central and western VA is generally easier driving.
Related guides
- Best trucking companies in Norfolk, Virginia
- Best owner-operator companies in Norfolk, Virginia
- CDL driver salary in Virginia
How we compile these rankings
Compensation, FMCSA safety, benefits, and operational performance — weighted 30, 25, 25, and 20 percent respectively. Compensation extends beyond headline pay to include sign-on bonus tier and settlement cadence. Benefits scoring differs by hiring type because the perks that matter to a W2 driver and a contractor are not the same. Updated November 2026.