Updated May 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Puyallup, Washington (May 2026)
$2,992/week average, $2,150 median for CDL drivers in Puyallup, Washington (May 2026). Based on 1,053 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 31% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,043. Washington freight flows through the Port of Seattle and Port of Tacoma — a major West Coast container complex — with I-5 north-south and I-90 east-west carrying forest-products, agricultural exports from the Yakima Valley, and technology freight.
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 Puyallup, Washington compares to Washington
| Puyallup, Washington | Washington | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,992 | $2,728 | +10% |
| OTR (long-haul) routes | 86% | 81% | +5 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, May 2026
Puyallup, Washington's biggest divergence from Washington is on average weekly pay, 10% above the state baseline.
Puyallup, Washington CDL salary by hiring type
Across active CDL postings in Puyallup, Washington 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) | $2,270 | $2,100 | 457 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,610 | $1,525 | 317 |
| Owner Operator | $7,387 | $7,500 | 279 |
Source: Lanefinder index, May 2026
Lane mix and benefits across Puyallup, Washington
10% of Puyallup, Washington's active CDL postings are regional and 86% are OTR; local plus semi-local accounts for the rest (4%).
Across Puyallup, Washington CDL postings: 1% with guaranteed pay, 27% dedicated, 87% take-truck-home, 71% pet-friendly, 68% riders-allowed.
Driving CDL in Washington
Washington freight flows through the Port of Seattle and Port of Tacoma — a major West Coast container complex — with I-5 north-south and I-90 east-west carrying forest-products freight, agricultural exports from the Yakima Valley (apples, hops, wine grapes), and technology-sector loads. Mountain passes on I-90 (Snoqualmie, Stevens) are aggressive winter operational variables; chain laws apply liberally from November through April. Cost of living is high in the Puget Sound metros. Washington has no state income tax — meaningful comp pull for drivers based here.
Related guides
- Best trucking companies in Puyallup, Washington
- Best owner-operator companies in Puyallup, Washington
- CDL driver salary in Washington
Where this data comes from
The score is built from four buckets. Thirty percent compensation, drawn from real active job postings and modified by bonus and settlement structure. Twenty-five percent safety, from FMCSA SAFER. Twenty-five percent benefits, scored hiring-type-aware. Twenty percent operational performance, drawn from how carriers actually behave toward applicants. Updated May 2026.