Updated May 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Pawtucket, Rhode Island (May 2026)
In Pawtucket, Rhode Island as of May 2026, the average weekly CDL pay is $3,008 with a median of $2,150. Both figures are computed against currently-active job postings, not historical surveys. Based on 1,143 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 30% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,073. Rhode Island is the smallest state by area but sits directly on I-95 connecting Boston and Providence, with the Port of Providence handling bulk cargo and the Providence metro serving as a distribution point for southern New England.
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 Pawtucket, Rhode Island
Across active CDL postings in Pawtucket, Rhode Island 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) | $2,252 | $2,050 | 519 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,589 | $1,567 | 323 |
| Owner Operator | $7,454 | $7,500 | 301 |
Source: Lanefinder index, May 2026
How drivers spend their time on the road in Pawtucket, Rhode Island
The route mix in Pawtucket, Rhode Island this month tilts OTR: 9% regional, 87% OTR, 2% local, 1% semi-local — drawn from active postings, not historical surveys.
Guaranteed pay is on offer at 1% of Pawtucket, Rhode Island postings; dedicated routes at 28%; take-truck-home at 87%. Pet-friendly policies appear at 70% and riders-allowed at 67%.
Driving CDL in Rhode Island
Rhode Island is the smallest US state by area but sits directly on I-95 connecting Boston and Providence, putting it in the dense Northeast freight corridor. The Port of Providence handles bulk cargo (oil and aggregates especially). The Providence metro serves as a regional distribution point for southern New England. Cost of living is high; Rhode Island has a moderate graduated state income tax. The state's small geography means most regional drivers based here spend significant time in MA, CT, and NY — treat RI as an I-95 transit waypoint.
Related guides
- Best trucking companies in Pawtucket, Rhode Island
- Best owner-operator companies in Pawtucket, Rhode Island
- CDL driver salary in Rhode Island
How we compile these rankings
Four weighted components. Compensation carries 30% and includes pay percentile, sign-on bonus tier, guaranteed-pay availability, and settlement frequency. FMCSA safety carries 25%, built from five SAFER dimensions. Benefits carry 25%, scored separately for W2 versus owner-operator carriers. Operational performance carries 20%, measuring application responsiveness and fleet scale. Updated May 2026.