Werner Enterprises Driver Pay
Below Average — #34 of 40$52,000 - $80,000/year
Last updated: 2026-03-01
Werner Enterprises Pay Overview
Werner uses a mileage-based pay system with additional pay for stop-offs, detention, and layovers. New graduates start at the lower end but can earn raises every 6 months during their first 2 years. Dedicated accounts typically pay more per mile but may have fewer total miles.
Pay by Experience Level
CPM increases with verifiable experience — here is what to expect at each stage.
| Experience | Pay Range |
|---|---|
| 0-1 year | $0.42 - $0.48/mi |
| 1-3 years | $0.48 - $0.54/mi |
| 3-5 years | $0.54 - $0.58/mi |
| 5-10 years | $0.58 - $0.62/mi |
| 10+ years | $0.62 - $0.66/mi |
Pay by Equipment Type
| Equipment | CPM / Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dry Van (OTR) | $0.42 - $0.62/mi |
| Dry Van (Dedicated) | $0.50 - $0.65/mi |
| Intermodal | $0.48 - $0.60/mi |
| Team Driving | $0.55 - $0.70/mi split |
Pay by Job Type
OTR
$52,000 - $72,000
per year
Regional
$55,000 - $75,000
per year
Dedicated
$58,000 - $80,000
per year
Intermodal
$55,000 - $72,000
per year
Bonuses & Incentives
Sign-On Bonus
Up to $8,000 for experienced drivers
Safety Bonus
$0.01 - $0.03/mi safety bonus quarterly
Referral Bonus
$1,000 - $2,500 per hired referral
Fuel Efficiency
$0.01/mi fuel efficiency bonus
Benefits Package
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Health Insurance | PPO and HDHP options, company pays ~70% of premiums |
| Dental | Delta Dental PPO included |
| Vision | VSP vision plan included |
| Retirement | 401(k) with 50% match up to 6% |
| Paid Time Off | 6 days after 1 year, up to 21 days at 10+ years |
| Tuition Reimbursement | Up to $5,000/year for approved programs |
Pay Schedule, Home Time & Per Diem
Pay Schedule
Weekly direct deposit, every Friday
Home Time
OTR: Every 2-3 weeks | Regional: Weekly | Dedicated: Varies by account
Per Diem
$63/day tax-free per diem for OTR drivers (optional)
How Werner Enterprises Pay Compares
Werner Enterprises ranks #34 out of 40 carriers tracked — rated Below Average for driver compensation.
| Company | Overall Pay Range |
|---|---|
| Werner Enterprises (this carrier) | $52,000 - $80,000 |
| Schneider National | $50,000 - $85,000 |
| J.B. Hunt Transport Services | $55,000 - $95,000 |
| Knight-Swift Transportation | $50,000 - $85,000 |
| Heartland Express | $55,000 - $80,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Werner pay per mile in 2026?
Werner pays between $0.42 and $0.66 per mile depending on experience and division. New CDL graduates start around $0.42-$0.48/mi, while drivers with 10+ years experience can earn $0.62-$0.66/mi. Dedicated accounts often pay higher CPM than OTR.
Does Werner pay for CDL training?
Yes, Werner offers a company-sponsored CDL training program. Graduates commit to driving for Werner for a set period (typically 12 months). During training, you earn a training wage rather than mileage pay.
How often do Werner drivers get paid?
Werner pays weekly via direct deposit, with paychecks arriving every Friday. Drivers can also access earned wages early through EWA (Earned Wage Access) programs.
What is the Werner sign-on bonus?
Werner offers sign-on bonuses up to $8,000 for experienced CDL-A drivers, paid in installments over the first 6-12 months. Bonus amounts vary by region and division.
Does Werner offer per diem pay?
Yes, Werner offers an optional per diem of $63 per day for OTR drivers. This reduces your taxable income but also reduces your W-2 earnings, which can affect future Social Security benefits and loan applications.
Ready to Drive for Werner Enterprises?
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