Updated May 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Providence, Rhode Island (May 2026)
CDL drivers in Providence, Rhode Island earn $3,010 per week on average through May 2026. The median is $2,150, drawn from active job postings rather than survey self-reports. Based on 1,137 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 30% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,078. Providence sits on I-95 connecting Boston and New York, with the Port of Providence handling bulk cargo and the metro serving as a distribution point for southern New England alongside light manufacturing and healthcare logistics.
What changed in May 2026
We just started tracking monthly changes for this view. Check back next month to see how rankings have shifted.
How CDL pay breaks down in Providence, Rhode Island
Across active CDL postings in Providence, 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 | 518 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,592 | $1,600 | 319 |
| Owner Operator | $7,458 | $7,500 | 300 |
Source: Lanefinder index, May 2026
How drivers spend their time on the road in Providence, Rhode Island
9% of Providence, Rhode Island's active CDL postings are regional and 88% are OTR; local plus semi-local accounts for the rest (3%).
Across Providence, Rhode Island CDL postings: 1% with guaranteed pay, 28% dedicated, 87% take-truck-home, 70% pet-friendly, 67% riders-allowed.
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 Providence, Rhode Island
- Best owner-operator companies in Providence, Rhode Island
- CDL driver salary in Rhode Island
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 May 2026.