Updated May 2026
CDL Driver Salary in West Des Moines, Iowa (May 2026)
$2,606/week — that's the average CDL driver wage in West Des Moines, Iowa as of May 2026. Median weekly pay sits at $2,000, computed against active postings in Lanefinder's index. Based on 1,464 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 31% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,081. Iowa freight is shaped by its agricultural output — corn, soybeans, and ethanol — moving on I-80 east-west and I-35 north-south, with Des Moines serving as the primary distribution crossroads.
What changed in May 2026
We just started tracking monthly changes for this view. Check back next month to see how rankings have shifted.
West Des Moines, Iowa vs Iowa: the numbers that diverge
| West Des Moines, Iowa | Iowa | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,606 | $2,286 | +14% |
| Take-truck-home | 90% | 85% | +5 pt |
| OTR (long-haul) routes | 89% | 81% | +8 pt |
| Regional routes | 9% | 14% | -5 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, May 2026
Among the figures above, average weekly pay is where West Des Moines, Iowa differs most from Iowa — 14% above statewide.
What CDL drivers are earning across West Des Moines, Iowa
Across active CDL postings in West Des Moines, Iowa 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) | $2,228 | $2,042 | 650 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,576 | $1,550 | 462 |
| Owner Operator | $7,152 | $7,250 | 352 |
Source: Lanefinder index, May 2026
What West Des Moines, Iowa drivers actually run
9% of West Des Moines, Iowa's active CDL postings are regional and 89% are OTR; local plus semi-local accounts for the rest (2%).
Across West Des Moines, Iowa CDL postings: 1% with guaranteed pay, 27% dedicated, 90% take-truck-home, 72% pet-friendly, 70% riders-allowed.
Driving CDL in Iowa
Iowa freight is shaped by the state's agricultural output — corn, soybeans, ethanol, pork — moving on the I-80 east-west and I-35 north-south corridors. Des Moines serves as the primary distribution crossroads. Cedar Rapids and Davenport (Quad Cities) add manufacturing and food-processing freight. Iowa runs a moderate graduated state income tax; living costs are among the lowest in the Midwest. Winter is severe — wind off the prairie plus drifting snow plus black ice on I-80 makes route timing genuinely consequential from December through March.
Related guides
- Best trucking companies in West Des Moines, Iowa
- Best owner-operator companies in West Des Moines, Iowa
- CDL driver salary in Iowa
How we compile these 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 May 2026.