Updated November 2026
CDL Driver Salary in West Haven, Connecticut (November 2026)
West Haven, Connecticut CDL drivers: $2,833 average weekly pay, $2,118 median (November 2026). Based on 1,224 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 31% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $1,941. 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 November 2026
No major rank changes this month — the top carriers have held their positions since October 2026.
West Haven, Connecticut vs Connecticut: the numbers that diverge
| West Haven, Connecticut | Connecticut | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,833 | $2,478 | +14% |
| Take-truck-home | 86% | 81% | +5 pt |
| OTR (long-haul) routes | 87% | 81% | +6 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
Among the figures above, average weekly pay is where West Haven, Connecticut differs most from Connecticut — 14% 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) | $2,335 | $2,150 | 574 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,607 | $1,600 | 348 |
| Owner Operator | $7,381 | $7,500 | 302 |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
Lane mix and benefits across West Haven, Connecticut
Of active CDL postings in West Haven, Connecticut this month, 10% are regional and 87% are OTR (long-haul). Local and semi-local routes account for the remaining 3%.
Guaranteed pay is on offer at 1% of West Haven, Connecticut postings; dedicated routes at 28%; take-truck-home at 86%. Pet-friendly policies appear at 67% 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 November 2026.