Updated May 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Utah (May 2026)
Utah CDL drivers: $2,660 average weekly pay, $2,000 median (May 2026). Based on 1,290 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 31% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,230. Utah freight centers on Salt Lake City's I-15 / I-80 crossroads, which connects Pacific Coast distribution to the Mountain West interior, with growing technology and outdoor-gear manufacturing adding to traditional mining and energy 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.
Utah CDL salary by hiring type
Across active CDL postings in Utah 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) | $2,248 | $2,087 | 532 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,600 | $1,562 | 442 |
| Owner Operator | $7,244 | $7,375 | 316 |
Source: Lanefinder index, May 2026
Lane mix and benefits across Utah
The route mix in Utah this month tilts OTR: 10% regional, 86% OTR, 2% local, 1% semi-local — drawn from active postings, not historical surveys.
Guaranteed pay is on offer at 1% of Utah postings; dedicated routes at 30%; take-truck-home at 84%. Pet-friendly policies appear at 70% and riders-allowed at 67%.
Driving CDL in Utah
Utah freight centers on Salt Lake City's I-15 / I-80 crossroads, which connects Pacific Coast distribution to the Mountain West interior. Growing technology (Silicon Slopes), outdoor gear manufacturing, and traditional mining and energy freight all add to the lane mix. Mountain driving is operational reality, not exception — Parley's Canyon east of SLC and the Wasatch passes are winter variables. Cost of living is moderate. Utah has a moderate flat state income tax. The state has unusually strict CDL drug-testing and reporting; check requirements if relocating from elsewhere.
Related guides
- Best trucking companies in Utah
- Best owner-operator companies in Utah
- CDL driver salary in the United States
Where this data comes from
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 May 2026.