Trucking Jobs: Minnesota vs Wisconsin
Side-by-side comparison of salaries, cost of living, taxes, job availability, freight routes, and CDL requirements for truck drivers.
Higher Pay
Tied
Lower COL
Wisconsin
More Jobs
Minnesota
Lower Tax
Comparable
Salary Comparison
Tie| Metric | Minnesota | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $63,000 | $63,000 |
| Salary Range | $50,000 - $76,000 | $50,000 - $75,000 |
| Minimum | $50,000 | $50,000 |
| Maximum | $76,000 | $75,000 |
Cost of Living & Taxes
Wisconsin wins| Metric | Minnesota | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| COL Index (100 = national avg) | 98 | 93 |
| State Income Tax | 5.35%–9.85% progressive | 3.5%–7.65% progressive |
Job Availability
Minnesota wins| Metric | Minnesota | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| Job Availability Rating | High | High |
| Est. Annual CDL Openings | 7,800 | 7,600 |
Top Trucking Companies
Minnesota
- 1C.H. Robinson (HQ Eden Prairie)
- 2Decker Truck Line
- 3Cargill (private fleet)
- 4Anderson Trucking
- 5Ruan Transportation
Wisconsin
- 1Schneider (HQ Green Bay)
- 2Oshkosh Corp
- 3Roehl Transport
- 4Decker Truck Line
- 5Brakebush Transportation
Key Freight Routes
Minnesota
- I-94 (Minneapolis–Fargo)
- I-35 (Minneapolis–Duluth / Iowa)
- I-90 (east–west southern MN)
- I-494/694 (Twin Cities beltway)
Wisconsin
- I-94 (Milwaukee–Madison)
- I-43 (Milwaukee–Green Bay)
- I-90 (Madison–La Crosse)
- I-41 (Milwaukee–Appleton–Green Bay)
CDL Requirements
Minnesota
Min Age: 18 (intrastate), 21 (interstate)
18 for intrastate, 21 for interstate. Minnesota DVS administers CDL testing.
Wisconsin
Min Age: 18 (intrastate), 21 (interstate)
18 for intrastate, 21 for interstate. Wisconsin DOT requires CDL testing at DMV service centers.
Weather & Driving Conditions
Minnesota
Weather
Extremely cold winters (-30 F possible), heavy snowfall, blizzards. Warm but short summers.
Driving Challenges
Extreme cold causing fuel gelling, blizzard whiteouts on I-94, Twin Cities congestion, spring road restrictions (weight limits).
Wisconsin
Weather
Harsh winters with heavy snow and sub-zero temps. Warm summers. Lake-effect snow near Lake Michigan.
Driving Challenges
Severe winter conditions, black ice on I-94, snow drifts on rural highways, Milwaukee construction zones.
Overall Comparison Summary
Higher Pay
Tie
Lower COL
WI
More Jobs
MN
Lower Tax
Tie
Both states are evenly matched across our comparison categories. Your decision should come down to personal preferences—weather, proximity to family, and the type of freight you want to haul.
Frequently Asked Questions: Minnesota vs Wisconsin
How does trucking pay compare in Minnesota vs Wisconsin?
Pay is very similar—Minnesota $50K–$76K and Wisconsin $50K–$75K. Minnesota has slightly more openings (7,800 vs 7,600). Minnesota's income tax is higher (up to 9.85% vs Wisconsin's 7.65%). Wisconsin's Schneider National provides a major employer base. Both states have comparable living costs.
Which state has worse winter driving conditions?
Minnesota is generally colder with more extreme conditions—temperatures can reach -30 F in northern MN, and blizzards on I-94 toward Fargo are legendary. Wisconsin gets significant lake-effect snow from Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. Both require winterizing equipment and carrying chains. Minnesota's cold is more extreme; Wisconsin's snow is more persistent.
What are the main freight types in Minnesota vs Wisconsin?
Minnesota: grain/agricultural products, food processing (General Mills, Cargill), retail distribution (Target HQ), and 3PL brokerage (C.H. Robinson HQ). Wisconsin: dairy products, paper/lumber manufacturing, agricultural equipment, and TL/LTL operations (Schneider, Roehl). The Twin Cities and Milwaukee serve as natural pair markets.
Explore Each State
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