Updated November 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Washington (November 2026)
CDL pay in Washington averages $2,579/week (median $2,000) through November 2026. Based on 1,233 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 32% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,019. 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 November 2026
- average sign-on bonus fell by 1.5% ($2,049 → $2,019).
What CDL drivers are earning across Washington
Across active CDL postings in 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) | $2,376 | $2,150 | 520 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,547 | $1,500 | 429 |
| Owner Operator | $7,247 | $7,500 | 284 |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
What Washington drivers actually run
The route mix in Washington this month tilts OTR: 11% regional, 81% OTR, 6% local, 2% semi-local — drawn from active postings, not historical surveys.
Guaranteed pay is on offer at 2% of Washington postings; dedicated routes at 30%; take-truck-home at 83%. Pet-friendly policies appear at 66% and riders-allowed at 64%.
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 (Snoqualmie on I-90, Stevens on US-2) are aggressive winter operational variables; chain laws apply liberally from November through March (commercial vehicles must carry chains Nov 1 to Apr 1). 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 Washington
- Best owner-operator companies in Washington
- CDL driver salary in the United States
The methodology behind the rankings
Carriers are scored against carriers in their own market. The composite is 30% compensation (pay + bonus + guaranteed pay + settlement cadence), 25% FMCSA safety, 25% benefits (W2 vs owner-op scoring), and 20% operational performance (responsiveness + fleet scale). No paid placement — the weights are the same for every carrier in the index. Updated November 2026.