Truck Driver Salary in Illinois
Complete 2026 salary data for CDL and non-CDL truck drivers in Illinois. Compare pay by license type, see cost of living adjustments, and find the highest-paying cities.
CDL-A Avg
$65,800
CDL-B Avg
$52,400
Non-CDL Avg
$44,200
Owner-Op Gross
$250,000
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Illinois truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Illinois
Illinois's cost of living is 4% below the national average. Your salary stretches further here than in most states.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$65,800
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$68,542
After adjusting for Illinois's cost of living index of 96, a CDL-A salary of $65,800 provides the same purchasing power as $68,542 in an average-cost area. This means your money goes further in Illinois than the raw salary suggests.
Top Paying Cities in Illinois
These cities offer the highest average truck driver salaries in Illinois based on freight volume, distribution center density, and local demand.
Salary Trend in Illinois
Illinois offers top-tier trucking wages anchored by Chicago, the nation's largest intermodal hub. The convergence of six Class I railroads and major interstates creates massive freight demand.
Illinois vs National Average
| Category | IL | National | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $65,800 | $58,710 | +$7,090 |
| Cost of Living | 96 | 100 | -4 |
| Adjusted Pay | $68,542 | $58,710 | +$9,832 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Illinois
What is the average truck driver salary in Illinois?
Illinois CDL-A drivers average $65,800, with Chicago-area drivers earning up to $72,400. The state's role as the national freight crossroads supports above-average wages across all driving categories.
Why does Chicago pay truckers so well?
Chicago is the largest intermodal freight hub in North America, where six Class I railroads converge with I-90, I-80, I-55, and I-94. The sheer volume of freight creates constant driver demand and competitive wages.
What are the best trucking companies in Illinois?
Major Illinois-based carriers include Schneider National, Heartland Express, and numerous Chicago-area LTL carriers. The intermodal yards in Joliet and Chicago also employ thousands of drayage drivers.