Truck Driver Salary in Iowa
Complete 2026 salary data for CDL and non-CDL truck drivers in Iowa. Compare pay by license type, see cost of living adjustments, and find the highest-paying cities.
CDL-A Avg
$55,200
CDL-B Avg
$44,500
Non-CDL Avg
$38,200
Owner-Op Gross
$190,000
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Iowa truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Iowa
Iowa's cost of living is 11% below the national average. Your salary stretches further here than in most states.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$55,200
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$62,022
After adjusting for Iowa's cost of living index of 89, a CDL-A salary of $55,200 provides the same purchasing power as $62,022 in an average-cost area. This means your money goes further in Iowa than the raw salary suggests.
Top Paying Cities in Iowa
These cities offer the highest average truck driver salaries in Iowa based on freight volume, distribution center density, and local demand.
Salary Trend in Iowa
Iowa trucking wages are steady, anchored by agricultural commodities (corn, soybeans, pork) and I-80 corridor traffic. The state's central location supports cross-country freight lanes.
Iowa vs National Average
| Category | IA | National | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $55,200 | $58,710 | $-3,510 |
| Cost of Living | 89 | 100 | -11 |
| Adjusted Pay | $62,022 | $58,710 | +$3,312 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Iowa
What is the average trucker salary in Iowa?
Iowa CDL-A drivers average $55,200 annually. Adjusted for the 89% cost of living, the real purchasing power is $62,022, making Iowa one of the better states for driver take-home value.
What kind of freight moves through Iowa?
Iowa is a top agricultural state: corn, soybeans, pork, eggs, and ethanol dominate outbound freight. The I-80 corridor also carries heavy cross-country loads passing through Des Moines.
Are there good trucking companies based in Iowa?
Iowa is home to CRST International (Cedar Rapids), Hirschbach Motor Lines (Dubuque), TMC Transportation (Des Moines), and Ruan Transportation. All offer competitive pay and benefits packages.