Updated May 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Texas (May 2026)
CDL pay in Texas averages $2,223/week (median $1,750) through May 2026. Based on 2,099 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 30% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $1,996. Texas freight moves on I-10 / I-35 / I-20 corridors connecting Gulf Coast energy and Port of Houston to border crossings at Laredo and El Paso — two of the busiest US-Mexico commercial crossings — and large retail and manufacturing distribution inland.
What changed in May 2026
We just started tracking monthly changes for this view. Check back next month to see how rankings have shifted.
Texas CDL salary by hiring type
Across active CDL postings in Texas 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) | $2,007 | $1,900 | 847 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,478 | $1,450 | 819 |
| Owner Operator | $6,926 | $7,000 | 433 |
Source: Lanefinder index, May 2026
How drivers spend their time on the road in Texas
The route mix in Texas this month tilts OTR: 15% regional, 75% OTR, 7% local, 3% semi-local — drawn from active postings, not historical surveys.
Across Texas CDL postings: 2% with guaranteed pay, 29% dedicated, 79% take-truck-home, 63% pet-friendly, 60% riders-allowed.
Driving CDL in Texas
Texas is the largest CDL market in the country and the deepest mix of lane types. Cross-border work out of Laredo and El Paso, oil-field service in the Permian Basin, dedicated retail out of Dallas and Houston, and reefer pulling produce out of the Rio Grande Valley all run from different parts of the state — and they pay very differently. Texas has favorable trucking regulations and no state income tax, which is real money on the back end. The summer heat is the operational variable most newcomers underestimate; equipment, hours, and load-securing all behave differently when ambient temps hit 110°F.
Related guides
- Best trucking companies in Texas
- Best owner-operator companies in Texas
- CDL driver salary in the United States
How we compile these rankings
Lanefinder's ranking algorithm weights compensation at 30%, FMCSA SAFER safety at 25%, benefits at 25%, and operational performance at 20%. Compensation reflects pay percentile plus sign-on bonus, guaranteed pay, and settlement-frequency adjustments. Benefits scoring is hiring-type-aware. Operational performance comes mostly from how carriers handle real driver applications. Updated May 2026.