How CDL drivers get paid: per mile, percentage, hourly and salary
Updated October 2026
Trucking pay comes in several forms, and the headline number doesn't always tell the full story.
Cents per mile
The most common for OTR and regional work. Ask how miles are counted: some carriers pay practical miles (closer to what you actually drive), others use shorter household-goods miles.
Percentage of the load
Common for owner-operators and some flatbed or specialized jobs. Your pay rises and falls with freight rates.
Hourly
Common for local and LTL pickup and delivery work. Ask about overtime.
Salary or weekly pay
Some dedicated jobs pay a set weekly amount.
The extras
Detention, layover, stop pay, breakdown pay, safety bonuses and benefits all add up. Compare offers on yearly totals, not just the rate.
