Updated November 2026
CDL Driver Salary in South Dakota (November 2026)
Active CDL job postings in South Dakota pay $2,417/week on average (median $2,000) through November 2026. Based on 1,561 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 31% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,048. South Dakota freight runs on I-29 north-south and I-90 east-west, with Sioux Falls as the primary distribution hub, and agricultural shipments of corn, soybeans, and cattle accounting for the bulk of statewide load volume.
What changed in November 2026
- average weekly pay fell by 3.5% ($2,505 → $2,417).
What CDL drivers are earning across South Dakota
Across active CDL postings in South Dakota 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) | $2,286 | $2,100 | 684 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,567 | $1,532 | 524 |
| Owner Operator | $7,076 | $7,000 | 353 |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
How drivers spend their time on the road in South Dakota
11% of South Dakota's active CDL postings are regional and 87% are OTR; local plus semi-local accounts for the rest (2%).
Guaranteed pay is on offer at 2% of South Dakota postings; dedicated routes at 28%; take-truck-home at 88%. Pet-friendly policies appear at 70% and riders-allowed at 67%.
Driving CDL in South Dakota
South Dakota freight runs on I-29 north-south and I-90 east-west, with Sioux Falls as the primary distribution hub. Agricultural shipments of corn, soybeans, and cattle account for the bulk of statewide load volume. Cost of living is below the national average, and South Dakota has no state income tax — both meaningful for drivers based here. Winter on the I-90 stretch through the prairie is severe (drifting snow, ice). Western SD is genuinely remote — long fuel-stop gaps. Cattle hauling in the western half is a distinct seasonal segment.
Related guides
- Best trucking companies in South Dakota
- Best owner-operator companies in South Dakota
- CDL driver salary in the United States
How we compile these rankings
Compensation (30%): pay percentile + sign-on bonus + guaranteed pay + settlement frequency. FMCSA safety (25%): weighted percentile across vehicle maintenance, unsafe driving, hours-of-service, driver fitness, and controlled substances. Benefits (25%): hiring-type-aware. Operational (20%): driver-application responsiveness, modulated by fleet scale. Updated November 2026.