Updated May 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Rhode Island (May 2026)
In Rhode Island as of May 2026, the average weekly CDL pay is $2,946 with a median of $2,100. Both figures are computed against currently-active job postings, not historical surveys. Based on 1,240 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 30% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,090. 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.
Rhode Island CDL salary by hiring type
Across active CDL postings in 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) | $2,238 | $2,050 | 549 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,579 | $1,535 | 376 |
| Owner Operator | $7,437 | $7,500 | 315 |
Source: Lanefinder index, May 2026
What Rhode Island drivers actually run
10% of Rhode Island's active CDL postings are regional and 85% are OTR; local plus semi-local accounts for the rest (5%).
Guaranteed pay is on offer at 1% of Rhode Island postings; dedicated routes at 28%; take-truck-home at 85%. Pet-friendly policies appear at 68% and riders-allowed at 66%.
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 Rhode Island
- Best owner-operator companies in Rhode Island
- CDL driver salary in the United States
Where this data comes from
Carriers are scored against carriers in their own market. The composite is 30% compensation (pay + bonus + guaranteed pay + settlement cadence), 25% FMCSA safety, 25% benefits (W2 vs owner-op scoring), and 20% operational performance (responsiveness + fleet scale). No paid placement — the weights are the same for every carrier in the index. Updated May 2026.