Truck Driver Salary in Minnesota
Complete 2026 salary data for CDL and non-CDL truck drivers in Minnesota. Compare pay by license type, see cost of living adjustments, and find the highest-paying cities.
CDL-A Avg
$63,630
CDL-B Avg
$47,500
Non-CDL Avg
$52,860
Owner-Op Gross
$210,000
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Minnesota truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Minnesota
Minnesota's cost of living is 3% below the national average. Your salary stretches further here than in most states.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$63,630
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$65,598
After adjusting for Minnesota's cost of living index of 97, a CDL-A salary of $63,630 provides the same purchasing power as $65,598 in an average-cost area. This means your money goes further in Minnesota than the raw salary suggests.
Which Minnesota metros pay best?
Our estimate for each of these markets, built from the Minnesota average scaled for metro size. Where two metros show the same number it is because they sit in the same population band — we do not hold data fine-grained enough to separate them, and we would rather say so than invent a difference.
Salary by City in Minnesota
Explore detailed truck driver salary data for individual cities in Minnesota, including cost of living adjustments, top employers, and local market trends.
| City | CDL-A Avg | Cost of Living | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis | $71,266 | 105 | Rising |
| Duluth | $63,630 | 97 | Stable |
| Mankato | $61,085 | 95 | Stable |
Salary Trend in Minnesota
Minnesota wages are strong relative to cost of living, supported by the Twin Cities distribution hub, Target Corporation logistics, and significant agricultural freight (grain, sugar beets, turkeys).
Minnesota vs National Average
| Category | MN | National | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $63,630 | $59,710 | +$3,920 |
| Cost of Living | 97 | 100 | -3 |
| Adjusted Pay | $65,598 | $59,710 | +$5,888 |
Driving jobs we are recruiting for in Minnesota
Pay on this page is the statewide picture. These are the actual seats we are filling in Minnesota, each with its own pay, home time and requirements.
OTR Dry Van Driver
$58,500 - $82,500/year · Out 2–3 weeks
OTR Reefer Driver
$64,000 - $90,000/year · Out 2–3 weeks
OTR Flatbed Driver
$65,500 - $92,500/year · Out 1–2 weeks
OTR Step Deck Driver
$66,500 - $94,500/year · Out 1–2 weeks
OTR Tanker Driver
$67,500 - $95,000/year · Out 1–2 weeks
OTR Hazmat Driver
$69,000 - $97,500/year · Out 1–2 weeks
OTR Car Hauler Driver
$70,000 - $99,500/year · Out 2–3 weeks
OTR Oversized Driver
$74,000 - $104,000/year · Out 2–3 weeks
Regional Intermodal Driver
$59,500 - $84,500/year · Home weekly
Local Box Truck Driver
$49,000 - $69,500/year · Home daily
Regional Dump Truck Driver
$55,500 - $78,500/year · Home most nights
Local Cement Mixer Driver
$56,000 - $79,500/year · Home daily
OTR Hotshot Driver
$61,000 - $86,000/year · Out 1–2 weeks
Regional Less Than Truckload Driver
$62,000 - $87,500/year · Home weekly
OTR Power Only Driver
$58,500 - $82,500/year · Out 2–3 weeks
Local Straight Truck Driver
$48,000 - $68,000/year · Home daily
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Minnesota
What is the average truck driver salary in Minnesota?
Minnesota CDL-A drivers average $63,630, with Twin Cities drivers earning the most. The 97% cost of living index means strong purchasing power compared to many higher-pay states.
What companies hire truckers in Minnesota?
Minnesota is home to several major carriers and logistics companies: C.H. Robinson (Eden Prairie), Target Corporation (Minneapolis), Cargill, and numerous agricultural haulers serving the grain and food processing sectors.
What are the challenges of trucking in Minnesota?
Minnesota's harsh winters (temperatures can hit -30F) require cold-weather driving skills. Spring weight restrictions on rural roads and seasonal agricultural peaks create variable freight patterns throughout the year.
What does Minnesota pay at your experience level?
- No Experience / Student driver pay in Minnesota
- Entry Level driver pay in Minnesota
- Mid Level driver pay in Minnesota
- Experienced driver pay in Minnesota
- Veteran driver pay in Minnesota