Updated July 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Youngstown, Ohio (July 2026)
Youngstown, Ohio CDL drivers earn $2,547 per week on average (median $1,950) as of July 2026. Based on 1,604 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 31% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $1,953. Ohio sits at the center of the US manufacturing belt, with I-70 / I-71 / I-75 forming a freight grid through Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati and major automotive, steel, and chemical supply chains driving consistent lane demand.
What changed in July 2026
We just started tracking monthly changes for this view. Check back next month to see how rankings have shifted.
How Youngstown, Ohio compares to Ohio
| Youngstown, Ohio | Ohio | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,547 | $2,121 | +20% |
| Take-truck-home | 86% | 79% | +7 pt |
| Riders-allowed policies | 67% | 60% | +7 pt |
| Pet-friendly fleets | 70% | 64% | +6 pt |
| OTR (long-haul) routes | 83% | 72% | +11 pt |
| Local routes | 2% | 7% | -5 pt |
| Regional routes | 14% | 19% | -5 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, July 2026
Youngstown, Ohio's biggest divergence from Ohio is on average weekly pay, 20% above the state baseline.
How CDL pay breaks down in Youngstown, Ohio
Across active CDL postings in Youngstown, Ohio 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) | $2,225 | $2,000 | 690 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,536 | $1,500 | 549 |
| Owner Operator | $7,160 | $7,000 | 365 |
Source: Lanefinder index, July 2026
Lane mix and benefits across Youngstown, Ohio
Of active CDL postings in Youngstown, Ohio this month, 14% are regional and 83% are OTR (long-haul). Local and semi-local routes account for the remaining 3%.
Across Youngstown, Ohio CDL postings: 2% with guaranteed pay, 27% dedicated, 86% take-truck-home, 70% pet-friendly, 67% riders-allowed.
Driving CDL in Ohio
Ohio sits at the center of the US manufacturing belt and runs about as much through-freight as any state. I-70, I-71, I-75, and the Ohio Turnpike form a freight grid that's flat, generally well-maintained, and forgiving for newer drivers — Ohio is one of the better states to gain initial OTR experience. The Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati metros each anchor distinct lane profiles (auto, distribution, and pharmaceutical respectively). Winter operational risk is real — lake-effect off Erie, freezing rain in the central part of the state — but less extreme than the Great Plains states. Ohio cost of living is below the national average, which makes the income math work better than the headline pay numbers suggest.
Related guides
- Best trucking companies in Youngstown, Ohio
- Best owner-operator companies in Youngstown, Ohio
- CDL driver salary in Ohio
The methodology behind the rankings
Compensation is the largest single weight at 30% — pay percentile, sign-on bonus, guaranteed-pay availability, and settlement cadence. FMCSA safety contributes 25%, built from five SAFER dimensions with unsafe-driving and hours-of-service weighted 2× heavier. Benefits contribute 25%, scored separately for W2 versus owner-operator and 1099 carriers. Operational performance — application responsiveness and fleet scale — contributes 20%. Updated July 2026.