Updated July 2026
CDL Driver Salary in West Haven, Connecticut (July 2026)
West Haven, Connecticut CDL drivers: $2,940 average weekly pay, $2,100 median (July 2026). Based on 1,203 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 31% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $1,903. Connecticut freight moves on I-95 and I-91 / I-84 connecting to the Northeast corridor, with Port of New Haven handling petroleum and heating oil (with breakbulk as a secondary segment) and a dense concentration of aerospace and defense manufacturing.
What changed in July 2026
We just started tracking monthly changes for this view. Check back next month to see how rankings have shifted.
West Haven, Connecticut vs Connecticut: the numbers that diverge
| West Haven, Connecticut | Connecticut | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,940 | $2,543 | +16% |
| Take-truck-home | 86% | 81% | +5 pt |
| OTR (long-haul) routes | 88% | 81% | +7 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, July 2026
Among the figures above, average weekly pay is where West Haven, Connecticut differs most from Connecticut — 16% above statewide.
How CDL pay breaks down in West Haven, Connecticut
Across active CDL postings in West Haven, Connecticut 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) | $2,246 | $2,050 | 555 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,596 | $1,600 | 343 |
| Owner Operator | $7,589 | $7,500 | 305 |
Source: Lanefinder index, July 2026
Lane mix and benefits across West Haven, Connecticut
Of active CDL postings in West Haven, Connecticut this month, 10% are regional and 88% are OTR (long-haul). Local and semi-local routes account for the remaining 2%.
Guaranteed pay is on offer at 2% of West Haven, Connecticut postings; dedicated routes at 28%; take-truck-home at 86%. Pet-friendly policies appear at 69% and riders-allowed at 66%.
Driving CDL in Connecticut
Connecticut CDL work is mostly last-mile and short-haul on the dense I-95 / I-91 / I-84 metro grid feeding the Northeast corridor. The Port of New Haven handles breakbulk; aerospace and defense manufacturing (Pratt & Whitney in East Hartford, Sikorsky in Stratford, plus RTX-related supplier networks) generate high-value freight. Cost of living is among the highest in the country and state income tax is high. Many drivers based here run out-of-state lanes to keep the math working. Truck-route restrictions on parkways and dense urban congestion make CT one of the higher-overhead states to operate in.
Related guides
- Best trucking companies in West Haven, Connecticut
- Best owner-operator companies in West Haven, Connecticut
- CDL driver salary in Connecticut
The methodology behind the rankings
Compensation (30%): pay percentile + sign-on bonus + guaranteed pay + settlement frequency. FMCSA safety (25%): weighted percentile across vehicle maintenance, unsafe driving, hours-of-service, driver fitness, and controlled substances. Benefits (25%): hiring-type-aware. Operational (20%): driver-application responsiveness, modulated by fleet scale. Updated July 2026.