Updated May 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Parma, Ohio (May 2026)
In Parma, Ohio as of May 2026, the typical CDL driver brings home $2,566 per week (median $1,950). Based on 1,656 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 30% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,093. Ohio sits at the center of the US manufacturing belt, with I-70 / I-71 / I-75 forming a freight grid through Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati and major automotive, steel, and chemical supply chains driving consistent lane demand.
What changed in May 2026
We just started tracking monthly changes for this view. Check back next month to see how rankings have shifted.
Where Parma, Ohio differs from the Ohio baseline
| Parma, Ohio | Ohio | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,566 | $2,132 | +20% |
| Take-truck-home | 87% | 79% | +8 pt |
| Riders-allowed policies | 68% | 61% | +7 pt |
| Pet-friendly fleets | 70% | 64% | +6 pt |
| OTR (long-haul) routes | 82% | 71% | +11 pt |
| Local routes | 2% | 7% | -5 pt |
| Regional routes | 15% | 20% | -5 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, May 2026
The largest gap is on average weekly pay: Parma, Ohio sits 20% above the Ohio baseline.
What CDL drivers are earning across Parma, Ohio
Across active CDL postings in Parma, Ohio 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) | $2,169 | $2,000 | 705 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,535 | $1,500 | 568 |
| Owner Operator | $7,105 | $7,000 | 383 |
Source: Lanefinder index, May 2026
Lane mix and benefits across Parma, Ohio
The route mix in Parma, Ohio this month tilts OTR: 15% regional, 82% OTR, 2% local, 1% semi-local — drawn from active postings, not historical surveys.
Across Parma, Ohio CDL postings: 1% with guaranteed pay, 27% dedicated, 87% take-truck-home, 70% pet-friendly, 68% riders-allowed.
Driving CDL in Ohio
Ohio sits at the center of the US manufacturing belt and runs about as much through-freight as any state. I-70, I-71, I-75, and the Ohio Turnpike form a freight grid that's flat, generally well-maintained, and forgiving for newer drivers — Ohio is one of the better states to gain initial OTR experience. The Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati metros each anchor distinct lane profiles (auto, distribution, and pharmaceutical respectively). Winter operational risk is real — lake-effect off Erie, freezing rain in the central part of the state — but less extreme than the Great Plains states. Ohio cost of living is below the national average, which makes the income math work better than the headline pay numbers suggest.
Related guides
- Best trucking companies in Parma, Ohio
- Best owner-operator companies in Parma, Ohio
- CDL driver salary in Ohio
How we compile these rankings
The composite score is 30% compensation, 25% FMCSA safety, 25% benefits, and 20% operational performance. Pay percentiles are computed against carriers currently hiring in each market; FMCSA percentiles come from SAFER and weight unsafe-driving and hours-of-service violations 2× heavier than the other three dimensions. Updated May 2026.