Updated May 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Vancouver, Washington (May 2026)
In Vancouver, Washington as of May 2026, the average weekly CDL pay is $2,954 with a median of $2,100. Both figures are computed against currently-active job postings, not historical surveys. Based on 1,063 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 31% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $1,998. Washington freight flows through the Port of Seattle and Port of Tacoma — a major West Coast container complex — with I-5 north-south and I-90 east-west carrying forest-products, agricultural exports from the Yakima Valley, and technology 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.
Vancouver, Washington CDL salary by hiring type
Across active CDL postings in Vancouver, Washington 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) | $2,255 | $2,100 | 455 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,594 | $1,500 | 330 |
| Owner Operator | $7,348 | $7,500 | 278 |
Source: Lanefinder index, May 2026
What Vancouver, Washington drivers actually run
The route mix in Vancouver, Washington this month tilts OTR: 10% regional, 86% OTR, 2% local, 2% semi-local — drawn from active postings, not historical surveys.
Guaranteed pay is on offer at 1% of Vancouver, Washington postings; dedicated routes at 27%; take-truck-home at 86%. Pet-friendly policies appear at 71% and riders-allowed at 68%.
Vancouver, Washington vs Washington: the numbers that diverge
| Vancouver, Washington | Washington | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,954 | $2,728 | +8% |
| OTR (long-haul) routes | 86% | 81% | +5 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, May 2026
The largest gap is on average weekly pay: Vancouver, Washington sits 8% above the Washington baseline.
Driving CDL in Washington
Washington freight flows through the Port of Seattle and Port of Tacoma — a major West Coast container complex — with I-5 north-south and I-90 east-west carrying forest-products freight, agricultural exports from the Yakima Valley (apples, hops, wine grapes), and technology-sector loads. Mountain passes on I-90 (Snoqualmie, Stevens) are aggressive winter operational variables; chain laws apply liberally from November through April. Cost of living is high in the Puget Sound metros. Washington has no state income tax — meaningful comp pull for drivers based here.
Related guides
- Best trucking companies in Vancouver, Washington
- Best owner-operator companies in Vancouver, Washington
- CDL driver salary in Washington
Where this data comes from
Four weighted components. Compensation carries 30% and includes pay percentile, sign-on bonus tier, guaranteed-pay availability, and settlement frequency. FMCSA safety carries 25%, built from five SAFER dimensions. Benefits carry 25%, scored separately for W2 versus owner-operator carriers. Operational performance carries 20%, measuring application responsiveness and fleet scale. Updated May 2026.