Skip to content
6 months - 1 yearIA

Entry Level Trucking Jobs in Iowa

Find truck driver positions in Iowa for drivers with 6 months - 1 year of experience. Browse available job types, expected pay, and top hiring companies in IA.

Experience Level

6 months - 1 year

Expected Pay

$45,000 - $55,000

IA CDL-A Avg

$55,200

Entry Level Truck Driver Jobs in Iowa

Iowa offers strong opportunities for drivers with 6 months - 1 year of experience. Iowa is an agricultural freight powerhouse positioned in the center of the country. The state produces more corn, pork, and ethanol than almost any other, generating enormous bulk and refrigerated freight volumes year-round. With key industries including Agriculture (corn, soybeans, pork), Ethanol production, Meatpacking & food processing, entry level drivers in IA can find positions in multiple freight sectors.

Jobs Available at 6 months - 1 year Experience in IA

1
Company OTR driver (solo)
2
Regional dry van driver
3
Refrigerated OTR driver
4
Dedicated account driver
5
LTL linehaul driver (select companies)
6
Team driver

Salary Data for Iowa

License TypeIA Average
CDL-A$55,200
CDL-B$44,500
Non-CDL$38,200
Owner-Operator (Gross)$190,000

Cost of Living Index: 89 (100 = national avg) | Adjusted purchasing power: $62,022

Companies Hiring Entry Level Drivers

H
Heartland Express
U
USA Truck
M
Marten Transport
K
Knight Transportation
A
Averitt Express

Major Trucking Cities in Iowa

Des Moines, IA
Cedar Rapids, IA
Davenport, IA
Sioux City, IA
Waterloo, IA

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do entry level truck drivers make in Iowa?

Entry Level truck drivers (6 months - 1 year) in Iowa typically earn $45,000 - $55,000 annually. The overall CDL-A average in Iowa is $55,200. Actual pay depends on the carrier, freight type, and endorsements held.

What trucking companies hire entry level drivers in Iowa?

Major carriers that recruit entry level drivers in Iowa include Heartland Express, USA Truck, Marten Transport, and others with terminals or operations in IA. Check each carrier's website for current Iowa openings.

What CDL jobs can I get with 6 months - 1 year experience in Iowa?

With 6 months - 1 year of experience in Iowa, you can apply for positions including Company OTR driver (solo), Regional dry van driver, Refrigerated OTR driver. Iowa's key industries (Agriculture (corn, soybeans, pork) and Ethanol production) create additional specialized opportunities.