Truck Driver Salary in North Dakota 2026
The average truck driver salary in North Dakota is $1,752 per week as of 2026 — that's approximately $91,100 annually (or about $43.80 per hour) for qualified CDL drivers.
Truck driver salary in North Dakota, 2026
How much does a Truck Driver make in North Dakota?
North Dakota Salary Snapshot
North Dakota Truck Driver Pay at a Glance
Real wage data for North Dakota 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 $43.2k – $191.9k annually
$91,104
Average Annual Salary
$1,752
Average Weekly Pay
$43.80
Average Hourly Pay
$191.9k
Top Earners (High Range)
North Dakota Salary by City
Truck Driver Salary in North Dakota Cities
Pay varies across the Peace Garden State. Compare average earnings in North Dakota's top cities to find where your driving career pays the most – based on regional market trends, oilfield hauling in the Bakken, agricultural freight, and proximity to major corridors like I-94, I-29, and US-2.
Williston
$98,000/yr
Minot
$95,500/yr
Dickinson
$93,800/yr
Fargo
$91,100/yr
Bismarck
$91,500/yr
Grand Forks
$89,000/yr
Pay by Role
North Dakota Salary by Driver Type
Earnings shift depending on the type of driving you do. Compare North Dakota‑specific role averages to find the route that fits your income goals and lifestyle – from Bakken oilfield hauling to agricultural freight across the Northern Plains.
OTR Driver
$97,400/yr avg
Long-haul routes across multiple states, offering the highest earning potential in the upper Midwest.
View JobsRegional Driver
$91,900/yr avg
Multi-state routes within the Northern Plains, balancing solid pay with more time at home.
View JobsLocal Driver
$83,000/yr avg
Short daily routes within a city or nearby area, ideal for drivers who want to be home every night serving ND communities.
View JobsDedicated Driver
$95,800/yr avg
Consistent routes for a single client, delivering predictable schedules and reliable income.
View JobsFlatbed Driver
$100,200/yr avg
Hauls oversized and open‑deck freight, commanding premium pay for specialized skill – critical for ND's construction and energy sectors.
View JobsHazmat Driver
$112,200/yr avg
Transports hazardous materials and earns the highest average pay for certified specialists – essential for ND's Bakken oil and gas operations.
View JobsWhat Affects Truck Driver Salary in North Dakota?
Truck driver pay isn't determined by a single factor. This dashboard highlights the key elements that influence earnings in North Dakota and shows where drivers can maximize their income.
Strong Earnings in North Dakota
North Dakota truck drivers earn an average of $1,752 per week ($91,104/year), which is 5% 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 $191,900 annually. These figures are based on 790 real Indeed salaries.
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 North Dakota, answered in plain terms — based on real Indeed data.
What is the average truck driver salary in North Dakota?
The average truck driver in North Dakota earns around $91,104 per year, which breaks down to roughly $1,752 per week or ~$43.80 per hour (based on a 40-hour week). Pay varies based on route type, experience, and the company you drive for. North Dakota salaries are 5% above the national average, and drivers with specialized endorsements can earn well over the average — with top earners reaching up to $191,900 annually.
Which North Dakota city pays truck drivers the most?
Williston ($98,000/year) leads the state as the heart of Bakken oilfield hauling, followed by Minot ($95,500) — a key oil and agricultural crossroads — and Dickinson ($93,800), a strong regional hub for energy services. Bismarck ($91,500) and Fargo ($91,100) align closely with the state average, while Grand Forks ($89,000) trends slightly below. The highest‑paying companies in North Dakota specialize in dedicated OTR routes, oilfield heavy‑haul, flatbed freight serving energy and construction, and hazmat transport — especially around the Williston, Minot, and Dickinson areas and along the I‑94, I‑29, and US‑2 freight corridors.
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 North Dakota, specialized OTR routes — especially those connecting the Bakken oilfields, Minot energy hubs, and Dickinson distribution centers to broader Northern Plains markets and beyond — 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 $91,104 North Dakota average. Top earners in North Dakota can make up to $191,900 per year.
How can truck drivers earn more in North Dakota?
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 North Dakota companies offer salaries well above the state average for experienced drivers with the right credentials, especially in key logistics hubs like the Williston oilfield corridors, Minot distribution hubs, and Dickinson energy transport centers along I‑94, I‑29, and US‑2 that link the Peace Garden State to major Northern Plains and Canadian markets. North Dakota's booming energy logistics industry, agricultural transport sector, and growing regional distribution networks create steady demand for specialized freight haulers, with ample opportunities for oilfield hauling, grain transport, and cross‑border delivery.
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 North Dakota, hazmat drivers can earn well above the state average of $91,104, with top earners reaching up to $191,900 annually — especially those servicing the state's massive energy, agricultural, and oilfield logistics industries in hubs like Williston, Minot, Dickinson, and Fargo, plus the growing distribution networks along the I‑94, I‑29, and US‑2 corridors that connect North Dakota to the greater Northern Plains and Canadian markets.
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