Updated May 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Pocatello, Idaho (May 2026)
Through May 2026, the average CDL driver in Pocatello, Idaho earns $2,979 per week (median $2,150). Based on 1,070 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 31% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,163. Idaho freight runs on I-84 / I-86 through the Snake River Plain, with large agricultural exports of potatoes, dairy, and barley and the Boise metro serving as the main regional distribution center.
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 Pocatello, Idaho
Across active CDL postings in Pocatello, Idaho 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) | $2,265 | $2,100 | 470 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,600 | $1,567 | 318 |
| Owner Operator | $7,333 | $7,500 | 282 |
Source: Lanefinder index, May 2026
What Pocatello, Idaho drivers actually run
The route mix in Pocatello, Idaho this month tilts OTR: 9% regional, 90% OTR, 0% local, 1% semi-local — drawn from active postings, not historical surveys.
Across Pocatello, Idaho CDL postings: 1% with guaranteed pay, 27% dedicated, 88% take-truck-home, 71% pet-friendly, 69% riders-allowed.
How Pocatello, Idaho compares to Idaho
| Pocatello, Idaho | Idaho | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,979 | $2,767 | +8% |
| OTR (long-haul) routes | 90% | 85% | +5 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, May 2026
Among the figures above, average weekly pay is where Pocatello, Idaho differs most from Idaho — 8% above statewide.
Driving CDL in Idaho
Idaho CDL work runs on I-84 / I-86 through the Snake River Plain, with Boise serving as the regional distribution hub. Agricultural exports — potatoes, dairy, barley — generate heavy outbound reefer freight, especially in late summer and fall. Boise's growing semiconductor sector (Micron) and broader tech presence add high-value freight. Cost of living in the Boise metro is rising but stays below the West Coast metros. Idaho has a moderate graduated state income tax. Winter on US-95 north of Boise is more severe than newcomers expect.
Related guides
- Best trucking companies in Pocatello, Idaho
- Best owner-operator companies in Pocatello, Idaho
- CDL driver salary in Idaho
How we compile these rankings
Compensation, FMCSA safety, benefits, and operational performance — weighted 30, 25, 25, and 20 percent respectively. Compensation extends beyond headline pay to include sign-on bonus tier and settlement cadence. Benefits scoring differs by hiring type because the perks that matter to a W2 driver and a contractor are not the same. Updated May 2026.