Truck Drivers Salary in Illinois (IL) in 2026

Truck driver salary in Illinois

The Illinois trucking industry provides its drivers with competitive salaries which benefit from the state’s extensive freight transportation system which ranks among the top freight networks in the Midwest. The state of Illinois serves as a national logistics center which connects through its multiple interstate highways and Chicago as well as its extensive freight network. The average truck driver salary in Illinois starts at $52,000 for entry-level drivers and reaches $86,400 for experienced professionals while specialized drivers and owner-operators can achieve annual earnings of up to $117,600.

The Illinois trucking industry depends on multiple freight sources which include rail intermodal services and retail distribution and manufacturing and agriculture and the major interstate highways which include I-55 I-57 I-80 and I-90. Drivers who operate in regional Midwest lanes or work on dedicated freight contracts typically receive their highest pay rates.

Truck drivers average salary in IL

Truck drivers in Illinois typically earn between $52,000 and $86,400 annually, depending on experience and route type and freight specialization. Entry-level drivers usually start with local and regional routes while experienced CDL drivers gain advantages from high freight traffic and constant year-round work.

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

Driver Type / Experience	Average Monthly Pay	Average Annual Salary
Entry-Level CDL Driver (Limited experience, mostly local routes)	$4,300 – $4,800	$52,000 – $58,000
Experienced CDL Driver (Regional or OTR routes)	$7,000 – $7,200	$84,000 – $86,400
Class A CDL (Long-Haul, Interstate u0026 dedicated lanes)	$7,200 – $8,200	$86,000 – $98,000
Owner-Operator (After expenses, varies widely)	$8,000 – $9,800	$96,000 – $117,600
Specialized Freight (Hazmat, Tanker)	$7,500 – $9,800	$90,000 – $117,600

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

In Illinois, drivers who possess Class A CDL licenses drive tractor-trailer trucks through both busy Midwestern routes and national freight corridors. The Class A CDL drivers in Illinois receive regular work opportunities because Chicago serves as a primary transportation center. A Class A CDL driver in Illinois makes an annual salary that ranges from $86000 to $98000 while earning more money through long-distance interstate driving and specialized freight work.

Remember

How much does a truck driver in Illinois make annually? In general, salaries of Illinois big rig drivers usually range between $52,000 and $86,400, with salaries of the highest earners being as high as $117,600.
Big rig drivers in Illinois usually have salaries at or above the national average due to high freight volumes, strong intermodal traffic, and the state’s central Midwest location.
Beginning drivers are often paid near the lower end of that range at around $52,000, while specially trained and owner operator positions can earn up to $117,600 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 $86,000 and $98,000 annually depending on the route and experience.

Are you preparing for the CDL in Illinois (IL)?

Get the training you need to qualify for high-paying truck driving jobs and start a rewarding career on the road.

Start Now