Updated May 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Thornton, Colorado (May 2026)
CDL drivers in Thornton, Colorado earn $2,976 per week on average through May 2026. The median is $2,150, drawn from active job postings rather than survey self-reports. Based on 1,175 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 31% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,145. Colorado trucking centers on the I-25 / I-70 cross at Denver, with energy-sector freight from the Denver-Julesburg (DJ) Basin's Niobrara play in Weld County and growing produce flows out of the Western Slope.
What changed in May 2026
We just started tracking monthly changes for this view. Check back next month to see how rankings have shifted.
Thornton, Colorado vs Colorado: the numbers that diverge
Thornton, Colorado's biggest divergence from Colorado is on average weekly pay, 19% above the state baseline.
Thornton, Colorado CDL salary by hiring type
Across active CDL postings in Thornton, Colorado 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) | $2,269 | $2,100 | 494 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,603 | $1,600 | 372 |
| Owner Operator | $7,279 | $7,250 | 309 |
Source: Lanefinder index, May 2026
Lane mix and benefits across Thornton, Colorado
Of active CDL postings in Thornton, Colorado this month, 9% are regional and 88% are OTR (long-haul). Local and semi-local routes account for the remaining 3%.
Across Thornton, Colorado CDL postings: 1% with guaranteed pay, 29% dedicated, 87% take-truck-home, 71% pet-friendly, 68% riders-allowed.
Driving CDL in Colorado
Colorado trucking centers on the I-25 / I-70 crossroads at Denver, with I-70 westbound the gateway to the Mountain West. Mountain passes and canyons — Eisenhower Tunnel (above 11,000 ft), Vail Pass, and Glenwood Canyon — are the dominant operational variable. Chain laws are aggressively enforced on I-70 from September through May. Elevation affects engine performance, brakes, and HOS realism. Cost of living along the Front Range is high relative to the Mountain West interior. Colorado has a moderate flat state income tax. Western Slope produce, northern Permian energy, and Denver last-mile distribution round out the lane mix.
Related guides
- Best trucking companies in Thornton, Colorado
- Best owner-operator companies in Thornton, Colorado
- CDL driver salary in Colorado
Where this data comes from
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.