Truck Driver Salary in Minnesota 2026
The average truck driver salary in Minnesota is $1,713 per week as of 2026 — that's approximately $89,076 annually (or about $42.83 per hour) for qualified CDL drivers.
Truck driver salary in Minnesota, 2026
How much does a Truck Driver make in Minnesota?
Minnesota Salary Snapshot
Minnesota Truck Driver Pay at a Glance
Real wage data for Minnesota pulled together in one clear view, so you know exactly what to expect before you get behind the wheel. From entry-level to top earners, wages span $43.6k – $182.1k annually.
$89,544
Average Annual Salary
$1,722
Average Weekly Pay
$43.05
Average Hourly Pay
$182.1k+
Top Earners
Minnesota City Breakdown
Truck Driver Salary by Minnesota City
Pay varies across the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Compare average earnings in major Minnesota cities to find where your driving career pays the most – based on real Indeed data and regional market trends.
Minneapolis
$96,200/yr
St. Paul
$94,800/yr
Rochester
$90,100/yr
Duluth
$89,500/yr
Bloomington
$93,200/yr
St. Cloud
$86,300/yr
Eagan
$92,700/yr
Eden Prairie
$90,800/yr
Mankato
$85,100/yr
Moorhead
$84,400/yr
Pay by Role
Minnesota Salary by Driver Type
Earnings shift depending on the type of driving you do. Compare Minnesota‑specific role averages to find the route that fits your income goals and lifestyle.
OTR Driver
$95,800/yr avg
Long-haul routes across multiple states, offering the highest earning potential in trucking.
View JobsRegional Driver
$90,400/yr avg
Multi-state routes within a defined region, balancing solid pay with more time at home.
View JobsLocal Driver
$81,500/yr avg
Short daily routes within a city or nearby area, ideal for drivers who want to be home every night.
View JobsDedicated Driver
$94,000/yr avg
Consistent routes for a single client, delivering predictable schedules and reliable income.
View JobsFlatbed Driver
$98,500/yr avg
Hauls oversized and open‑deck freight, commanding premium pay for specialized skill.
View JobsHazmat Driver
$110,100/yr avg
Transports hazardous materials and earns the highest average pay for certified specialists.
View JobsWhat Affects Truck Driver Salary in Minnesota?
Truck driver pay isn't determined by a single factor. This dashboard highlights the key elements that influence earnings in Minnesota and shows where drivers can maximize their income.
Competitive Earnings in Minnesota
Minnesota truck drivers earn an average of $1,722 per week ($89,544/year), which is 38% above the national average. Drivers with endorsements, dedicated routes, and strong safety records still have the opportunity to earn at the top of the range — up to $182,100 annually.
Experience
18%Route Type
24%CDL Endorsements
31%Miles Driven
21%Company
16%Driving Record
27%Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about truck driver pay in Minnesota, answered in plain terms — based on real Indeed data.
What is the average truck driver salary in Minnesota?
The average truck driver in Minnesota earns around $89,544 per year, which breaks down to roughly $1,722 per week or ~$43.05 per hour (based on a 40-hour week). Pay varies based on route type, experience, and the company you drive for. Minnesota salaries are 38% above the national average, and drivers with specialized endorsements can earn well over the average — with top earners reaching up to $182,100 annually.
Which Minnesota city pays truck drivers the most?
Minneapolis ($96,200/year) leads the state as the primary freight and distribution hub for the Upper Midwest. St. Paul ($94,800) follows closely as part of the Twin Cities metro. Bloomington ($93,200) — home to the Mall of America and major logistics parks — and Eagan ($92,700) with its corporate distribution centers also rank high. The state average sits around Eden Prairie ($90,800) and Rochester ($90,100), with Duluth ($89,500) benefiting from Great Lakes port shipping. Smaller markets like St. Cloud ($86,300), Mankato ($85,100), and Moorhead ($84,400) trend slightly lower. The highest‑paying companies in Minnesota specialize in dedicated OTR routes, hazmat freight, and regional distribution — especially around the Twin Cities metro, the I‑35 and I‑94 corridors, and the growing logistics hubs that connect the Upper Midwest to Canada.
Do local drivers make more than OTR drivers?
Generally no. OTR drivers tend to earn more overall because of higher mileage and longer routes, while local drivers trade some income for the benefit of being home every day. In Minnesota, specialized OTR routes — especially those connecting the Twin Cities distribution hub to the broader Midwest and the Duluth port shipping networks — can significantly boost earnings well beyond the state average.
Does experience affect truck driver salary?
Yes, significantly. Drivers with several years of clean‑record experience often qualify for premium routes and specialized freight, which can raise annual pay well above the $89,544 Minnesota average. Top earners in Minnesota can make up to $182,100 per year.
How can truck drivers earn more in Minnesota?
Adding CDL endorsements (hazmat, tanker, doubles/triples), taking on flatbed or specialized freight, driving more miles, and maintaining a clean safety record are the fastest ways to increase earnings. Top Minnesota companies offer salaries well above the state average for experienced drivers with the right credentials, especially in key logistics hubs like the Twin Cities metro distribution network, the Duluth port and shipping corridor, the Rochester healthcare logistics hub (Mayo Clinic), and the growing freight networks along I‑35 and I‑94 that connect the Upper Midwest to Canada.
Are CDL endorsements worth it?
In most cases, yes. Endorsements like hazmat or tanker require extra testing but open access to specialized freight that pays noticeably more than standard routes. In Minnesota, hazmat drivers can earn well above the state average of $89,544, with top earners reaching up to $182,100 annually — especially those servicing the Twin Cities manufacturing and chemical sectors, the Duluth port shipping lanes, the agricultural freight along the I‑94 corridor, and the healthcare supply chains around Rochester.
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