Updated May 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Virginia (May 2026)
CDL pay in Virginia averages $2,269/week (median $1,800) through May 2026. Based on 2,059 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 29% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,128. Virginia freight is anchored by the Port of Virginia at Norfolk and Hampton Roads, the deepest commercial harbor on the East Coast (55 ft after the Gateway dredging program), with I-95 / I-64 / I-81 truck corridors connecting it to the mid-Atlantic and Southeast markets.
What changed in May 2026
We just started tracking monthly changes for this view. Check back next month to see how rankings have shifted.
What CDL drivers are earning across Virginia
Across active CDL postings in Virginia 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) | $2,023 | $1,950 | 880 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,517 | $1,500 | 758 |
| Owner Operator | $6,908 | $7,000 | 421 |
Source: Lanefinder index, May 2026
Lane mix and benefits across Virginia
Of active CDL postings in Virginia this month, 17% are regional and 78% are OTR (long-haul). Local and semi-local routes account for the remaining 5%.
Across Virginia CDL postings: 2% with guaranteed pay, 28% dedicated, 83% take-truck-home, 66% pet-friendly, 64% riders-allowed.
Driving CDL in Virginia
Virginia freight is anchored by the Port of Virginia at Norfolk and Hampton Roads — the deepest commercial harbor on the East Coast and a top-tier US container gateway. The I-95 / I-64 / I-81 truck corridors connect Norfolk to mid-Atlantic and Southeast markets, with I-81 north-south through the Shenandoah Valley a major regional freight spine. Cost of living varies widely (high in Northern Virginia, moderate elsewhere). Virginia has a moderate graduated state income tax. Northern Virginia (DC suburbs) congestion is consistently top-tier; central and western VA is generally easier driving.
Related guides
- Best trucking companies in Virginia
- Best owner-operator companies in Virginia
- 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.