Truck Drivers Salary in Iowa (IA) in 2026

Truck driver salary in Iowa

Iowa truck drivers receive consistent salaries which agricultural production and food processing and Midwest freight corridors sustain. The state of Iowa maintains its position as a trucking hub because of its location which connects various interstate highways. The salary range for truck drivers in Iowa starts at $50000 for entry-level positions and reaches $81600 for experienced drivers while specialized drivers and owner-operators can earn up to $110400 annually.

The trucking industry in Iowa relies on five main transportation activities which include grain transport and livestock hauling and ethanol production and distribution routes to Illinois and Nebraska and Minnesota and Missouri. Drivers who work on regional Midwest lanes and agricultural freight routes typically earn salaries that approach the maximum pay rate.

Truck drivers average salary in IA

Truck drivers in Iowa typically earn between $50,000 and $81,600 annually, depending on their experience and the type of route and the specific freight they handle. Entry-level drivers often begin with local or short regional routes, while experienced CDL drivers benefit from steady agricultural and interstate freight demand.

Here’s a breakdown of the typical salary for truck drivers in Iowa:

Driver Type / Experience	Average Monthly Pay	Average Annual Salary
Entry-Level CDL Driver (Limited experience, mostly local routes)	$4,200 – $4,600	$50,000 – $55,000
Experienced CDL Driver (Regional or OTR routes)	$6,600 – $6,800	$79,000 – $81,600
Class A CDL (Long-Haul, Interstate u0026 dedicated lanes)	$6,800 – $7,600	$81,000 – $91,000
Owner-Operator (After expenses, varies widely)	$7,200 – $9,200	$86,000 – $110,400
Specialized Freight (Hazmat, Tanker)	$6,900 – $9,200	$83,000 – $110,400

How Much Does a Class A CDL Driver Get Paid in Iowa?

Iowa drivers who hold a Class A CDL license operate tractor-trailers across agricultural routes and ethanol facilities and the interstate corridors that connect I-80 with I-35 throughout the Midwest. The strong agricultural and food processing industry in Iowa creates constant employment opportunities for Class A CDL drivers throughout the entire year. A Class A CDL driver in Iowa earns an average annual salary which ranges from $81000 to $91000 while drivers who operate long-haul interstate routes or specialized agricultural hauling equipment can earn higher salaries.

Remember

How much does a truck driver in Iowa make annually? In general, salaries of Iowa big rig drivers usually range between $50,000 and $81,600, with salaries of the highest earners being as high as $110,400.
Big rig drivers in Iowa usually earn around the national average due to strong agricultural freight demand and steady Midwest interstate traffic.
Beginning drivers are often paid near the lower end of that range at around $50,000, while specially trained and owner operator positions can earn up to $110,400 or more per year.
How much can a Class A CDL driver expect to bring in? Most typically the driver can bring in an income that ranges between $81,000 and $91,000 annually depending on the route and experience.

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