Truck Driver Salary in Gary
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Gary, Indiana. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$59,946
CDL-B Avg
$47,957
Non-CDL Avg
$35,368
Owner-Op Gross
$185,833
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Gary truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Gary
Gary's cost of living is 6% below the national average. Your trucking salary stretches further here than in most cities.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$59,946
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$63,772
After adjusting for Gary's cost of living index of 94, a CDL-A salary of $59,946 provides the same purchasing power as $63,772 in an average-cost area. Your money goes further in Gary than the raw salary suggests.
Gary vs Indiana vs National Average
| Metric | Gary | IN Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $59,946 | $58,400 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$1,546 | ||
| vs National | +$1,236 | ||
| Cost of Living | 94 | 90 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $63,772 | $64,889 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Gary
Trucking pay in Gary has remained steady, supported by consistent freight demand from steel manufacturing and oil refining. The Indiana market offers reliable work with predictable earnings for CDL drivers.
Top Paying Companies in Gary
These carriers and logistics companies offer some of the highest truck driver pay in the Gary area.
| Company | Avg Annual Pay |
|---|---|
| 1J.B. Hunt | $68,774 |
| 2Schneider National | $66,721 |
| 3TMC Transportation | $64,668 |
| 4Ryder | $62,615 |
Industries Driving Trucking Demand in Gary
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Gary market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Gary
Browse CDL driver positions in Gary, IN from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Gary
What is the average truck driver salary in Gary, IN?
CDL-A truck drivers in Gary, Indiana earn an average of $59,946 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Gary market is influenced by steel manufacturing and oil refining freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Gary?
Owner-operators based in Gary gross approximately $185,833 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $70,617 to $89,200. The Gary area's cost of living index of 94 is below the national average by 6%.
Is Gary a good city for trucking jobs?
Gary offers strong trucking employment thanks to its steel manufacturing and oil refining sectors. The city's cost of living is below the national average, which means your paycheck goes further here than in many metros. CDL drivers with hazmat or tanker endorsements can earn 10-20% above the city average.