Updated November 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Plainfield, New Jersey (November 2026)
$2,610/week average, $2,000 median for CDL drivers in Plainfield, New Jersey (November 2026). Based on 1,414 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 32% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $1,965. New Jersey is the primary Northeast freight gateway through Port Newark / Elizabeth — the busiest container port on the East Coast — with the NJ Turnpike (I-95) and dense intermodal facilities serving the New York metro market.
What changed in November 2026
- average sign-on bonus rose by 1.4% ($1,938 → $1,965).
Where Plainfield, New Jersey differs from the New Jersey baseline
| Plainfield, New Jersey | New Jersey | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,610 | $2,323 | +12% |
| OTR (long-haul) routes | 82% | 74% | +8 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
Among the figures above, average weekly pay is where Plainfield, New Jersey differs most from New Jersey — 12% above statewide.
How CDL pay breaks down in Plainfield, New Jersey
Across active CDL postings in Plainfield, New Jersey 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) | $2,293 | $2,100 | 654 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,590 | $1,550 | 434 |
| Owner Operator | $7,249 | $7,500 | 326 |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
Lane mix and benefits across Plainfield, New Jersey
Of active CDL postings in Plainfield, New Jersey this month, 12% are regional and 82% are OTR (long-haul). Local and semi-local routes account for the remaining 6%.
Across Plainfield, New Jersey CDL postings: 1% with guaranteed pay, 31% dedicated, 82% take-truck-home, 65% pet-friendly, 64% riders-allowed.
Driving CDL in New Jersey
New Jersey is the primary Northeast freight gateway through Port Newark-Elizabeth — the busiest container port on the East Coast — with the NJ Turnpike (I-95) and dense intermodal facilities feeding the New York metro market. Drayage out of the port is a major CDL segment. Cost of living is high; New Jersey state income tax is high and graduated (peaks above 10%). Bridge and tunnel tolls, truck-route restrictions on the Garden State Parkway (trucks over 10,000 lb are barred north of Exit 105), and limits on certain Hudson crossings add planning overhead. Traffic around Fort Lee and the George Washington Bridge (I-95) is among the worst in the country.
Related guides
- Best trucking companies in Plainfield, New Jersey
- Best owner-operator companies in Plainfield, New Jersey
- CDL driver salary in New Jersey
The methodology behind the 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 November 2026.