Updated November 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Wausau, Wisconsin (November 2026)
$2,549/week — that's the average CDL driver wage in Wausau, Wisconsin as of November 2026. Median weekly pay sits at $2,000, computed against active postings in Lanefinder's index. Based on 1,402 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 31% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $1,889. 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 November 2026
No major rank changes this month — the top carriers have held their positions since October 2026.
How Wausau, Wisconsin compares to Wisconsin
| Wausau, Wisconsin | Wisconsin | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,549 | $2,159 | +18% |
| Take-truck-home | 89% | 81% | +8 pt |
| Pet-friendly fleets | 71% | 64% | +7 pt |
| Riders-allowed policies | 69% | 62% | +7 pt |
| OTR (long-haul) routes | 89% | 75% | +14 pt |
| Local routes | 1% | 7% | -6 pt |
| Regional routes | 10% | 16% | -6 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
Among the figures above, average weekly pay is where Wausau, Wisconsin differs most from Wisconsin — 18% above statewide.
How CDL pay breaks down in Wausau, Wisconsin
Across active CDL postings in Wausau, 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) | $2,349 | $2,150 | 647 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,597 | $1,550 | 424 |
| Owner Operator | $7,262 | $7,500 | 331 |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
Lane mix and benefits across Wausau, Wisconsin
The route mix in Wausau, Wisconsin this month tilts OTR: 10% regional, 89% OTR, 1% local, 0% semi-local — drawn from active postings, not historical surveys.
Across Wausau, Wisconsin CDL postings: 1% with guaranteed pay, 28% dedicated, 89% take-truck-home, 71% pet-friendly, 69% riders-allowed.
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 Wausau, Wisconsin
- Best owner-operator companies in Wausau, Wisconsin
- CDL driver salary in Wisconsin
The methodology behind the rankings
Pay carriers against each other within the same market (30%). Layer a weighted FMCSA SAFER safety percentile on top (25%). Score the benefits package against what actually matters for the hiring type — W2 health/financial benefits or owner-op operational perks (25%). Finish with operational performance: responsiveness to driver applications plus fleet scale (20%). All percentiles are recomputed monthly. Updated November 2026.