Updated May 2026
CDL Driver Salary in North Dakota (May 2026)
Active CDL job postings in North Dakota pay $2,676/week on average (median $2,000) through May 2026. Based on 1,351 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 31% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,103. North Dakota freight is dominated by Bakken oil-field service trucking in the western half and agricultural shipments of wheat, soybeans, and corn on I-94 / I-29, with significant cross-border trade through multiple Canadian ports of entry.
What changed in May 2026
We just started tracking monthly changes for this view. Check back next month to see how rankings have shifted.
What CDL drivers are earning across North Dakota
Across active CDL postings in North Dakota 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) | $2,255 | $2,062 | 590 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,591 | $1,561 | 427 |
| Owner Operator | $7,190 | $7,250 | 334 |
Source: Lanefinder index, May 2026
How drivers spend their time on the road in North Dakota
The route mix in North Dakota this month tilts OTR: 9% regional, 89% OTR, 1% local, 1% semi-local — drawn from active postings, not historical surveys.
Guaranteed pay is on offer at 1% of North Dakota postings; dedicated routes at 27%; take-truck-home at 88%. Pet-friendly policies appear at 72% and riders-allowed at 70%.
Driving CDL in North Dakota
North Dakota freight is dominated by Bakken oil-field service trucking in the western half — Williston, Watford City, and Dickinson are the operational centers. Agricultural freight (wheat, soybeans, corn, sugar beets) runs on I-94 / I-29 in the rest of the state. Significant cross-border trade with Saskatchewan through multiple commercial ports of entry adds international planning overhead. Winter is severe and long, with windchill stretches that affect equipment cold-start and fuel gelling. North Dakota has a low graduated state income tax — among the lowest in the country.
Related guides
- Best trucking companies in North Dakota
- Best owner-operator companies in North Dakota
- CDL driver salary in the United States
How we compile these rankings
Compensation (30%): pay percentile + sign-on bonus + guaranteed pay + settlement frequency. FMCSA safety (25%): weighted percentile across vehicle maintenance, unsafe driving, hours-of-service, driver fitness, and controlled substances. Benefits (25%): hiring-type-aware. Operational (20%): driver-application responsiveness, modulated by fleet scale. Updated May 2026.