Updated May 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Waukesha, Wisconsin (May 2026)
Through May 2026, Waukesha, Wisconsin CDL drivers earn $2,573 per week on average. The median is $2,000; the distribution by hiring type and the active-posting count both follow. Based on 1,567 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 30% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,096. Wisconsin freight moves on I-90 / I-94 through Milwaukee and Madison, with dairy and food processing as the dominant outbound commodity and paper and packaging manufacturing in the Fox River Valley generating consistent industrial loads.
What changed in May 2026
We just started tracking monthly changes for this view. Check back next month to see how rankings have shifted.
How Waukesha, Wisconsin compares to Wisconsin
| Waukesha, Wisconsin | Wisconsin | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,573 | $2,211 | +16% |
| Take-truck-home | 88% | 81% | +7 pt |
| Pet-friendly fleets | 71% | 65% | +6 pt |
| Riders-allowed policies | 68% | 63% | +5 pt |
| OTR (long-haul) routes | 85% | 75% | +10 pt |
| Local routes | 2% | 7% | -5 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, May 2026
The largest gap is on average weekly pay: Waukesha, Wisconsin sits 16% above the Wisconsin baseline.
How CDL pay breaks down in Waukesha, Wisconsin
Across active CDL postings in Waukesha, Wisconsin 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) | $2,222 | $2,000 | 688 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,538 | $1,500 | 513 |
| Owner Operator | $7,168 | $7,250 | 366 |
Source: Lanefinder index, May 2026
What Waukesha, Wisconsin drivers actually run
The route mix in Waukesha, Wisconsin this month tilts OTR: 12% regional, 85% OTR, 2% local, 1% semi-local — drawn from active postings, not historical surveys.
Guaranteed pay is on offer at 1% of Waukesha, Wisconsin postings; dedicated routes at 27%; take-truck-home at 88%. Pet-friendly policies appear at 71% and riders-allowed at 68%.
Driving CDL in Wisconsin
Wisconsin freight moves on I-90 / I-94 through Milwaukee and Madison. Dairy and food processing are dominant outbound commodities — Wisconsin's reefer freight is a national-scale segment. Paper and packaging manufacturing in the Fox River Valley generates consistent industrial loads. Great Lakes ports at Green Bay and Superior handle bulk cargo. Cost of living is moderate. Wisconsin has a high graduated state income tax. Winter is severe — lake-effect snow off Lake Michigan affects the eastern third of the state; ice and salt corrosion eat equipment faster than southern states.
Related guides
- Best trucking companies in Waukesha, Wisconsin
- Best owner-operator companies in Waukesha, Wisconsin
- CDL driver salary in Wisconsin
The methodology behind the rankings
Pay carriers in the same market against each other (30% of the score). Add a five-dimension FMCSA safety percentile from SAFER (25%). Score benefits based on whether the carrier hires W2 drivers or contractors (25%). Layer on employer responsiveness and fleet scale (20%). The weights are fixed and public. Updated May 2026.