Updated September 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Washington (September 2026)
CDL pay in Washington averages $2,614/week (median $2,000) through September 2026. Based on 1,239 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 32% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,031. 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 September 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 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) | $2,378 | $2,150 | 511 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,547 | $1,500 | 437 |
| Owner Operator | $7,264 | $7,500 | 291 |
Source: Lanefinder index, September 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 29%; take-truck-home at 83%. Pet-friendly policies appear at 67% and riders-allowed at 65%.
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 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 September 2026.