Truck Driver Salary in Des Moines
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Des Moines, Iowa. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$56,432
CDL-B Avg
$42,888
Non-CDL Avg
$35,552
Owner-Op Gross
$163,653
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Des Moines truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Des Moines
Des Moines's cost of living is 11% below the national average. Your trucking salary stretches further here than in most cities.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$56,432
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$63,407
After adjusting for Des Moines's cost of living index of 89, a CDL-A salary of $56,432 provides the same purchasing power as $63,407 in an average-cost area. Your money goes further in Des Moines than the raw salary suggests.
Des Moines vs Iowa vs National Average
| Metric | Des Moines | IA Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $56,432 | $55,200 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$1,232 | ||
| vs National | $-2,278 | ||
| Cost of Living | 89 | 89 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $63,407 | $62,022 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Des Moines
Trucking pay in Des Moines has remained steady, supported by consistent freight demand from insurance & financial services and agriculture & grain. The Iowa market offers reliable work with predictable earnings for CDL drivers.
Top Paying Companies in Des Moines
These carriers and logistics companies offer some of the highest truck driver pay in the Des Moines area.
| Company | Avg Annual Pay |
|---|---|
| 1ABF Freight | $69,518 |
| 2Estes Express | $67,473 |
| 3Hub Group | $65,428 |
| 4Crete Carrier | $63,384 |
Industries Driving Trucking Demand in Des Moines
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Des Moines market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Des Moines
Browse CDL driver positions in Des Moines, IA from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Des Moines
What is the average truck driver salary in Des Moines, IA?
CDL-A truck drivers in Des Moines, Iowa earn an average of $56,432 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Des Moines market is influenced by insurance & financial services and agriculture & grain freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Des Moines?
Owner-operators based in Des Moines gross approximately $163,653 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $62,188 to $78,553. The Des Moines area's cost of living index of 89 is below the national average by 11%.
Is Des Moines a good city for trucking jobs?
Des Moines offers strong trucking employment thanks to its insurance & financial services and agriculture & grain 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.