Updated November 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Olympia, Washington (November 2026)
Through November 2026, Olympia, Washington CDL drivers earn $2,862 per week on average. The median is $2,200; the distribution by hiring type and the active-posting count both follow. Based on 1,065 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 32% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,000. Washington freight flows through the Port of Seattle and Port of Tacoma — a major West Coast container complex — with I-5 north-south and I-90 east-west carrying forest-products, agricultural exports from the Yakima Valley, and technology freight.
What changed in November 2026
- median weekly pay rose by 2.3% ($2,150 → $2,200).
- average sign-on bonus fell by 1% ($2,021 → $2,000).
Olympia, Washington vs Washington: the numbers that diverge
| Olympia, Washington | Washington | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,862 | $2,579 | +11% |
| OTR (long-haul) routes | 88% | 81% | +7 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
Among the figures above, average weekly pay is where Olympia, Washington differs most from Washington — 11% above statewide.
What CDL drivers are earning across Olympia, Washington
Across active CDL postings in Olympia, Washington 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) | $2,392 | $2,250 | 489 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,622 | $1,527 | 310 |
| Owner Operator | $7,366 | $7,500 | 266 |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
How drivers spend their time on the road in Olympia, Washington
The route mix in Olympia, Washington this month tilts OTR: 10% regional, 88% OTR, 2% local, 1% semi-local — drawn from active postings, not historical surveys.
Guaranteed pay is on offer at 1% of Olympia, Washington postings; dedicated routes at 29%; take-truck-home at 87%. Pet-friendly policies appear at 69% and riders-allowed at 66%.
Driving CDL in Washington
Washington freight flows through the Port of Seattle and Port of Tacoma — a major West Coast container complex — with I-5 north-south and I-90 east-west carrying forest-products freight, agricultural exports from the Yakima Valley (apples, hops, wine grapes), and technology-sector loads. Mountain passes (Snoqualmie on I-90, Stevens on US-2) are aggressive winter operational variables; chain laws apply liberally from November through March (commercial vehicles must carry chains Nov 1 to Apr 1). Cost of living is high in the Puget Sound metros. Washington has no state income tax — meaningful comp pull for drivers based here.
Related guides
- Best trucking companies in Olympia, Washington
- Best owner-operator companies in Olympia, Washington
- CDL driver salary in Washington
How we compile these rankings
Pay carriers in the same market against each other (30% of the score). Add a five-dimension FMCSA safety percentile from SAFER (25%). Score benefits based on whether the carrier hires W2 drivers or contractors (25%). Layer on employer responsiveness and fleet scale (20%). The weights are fixed and public. Updated November 2026.