Truck Driver Salary in Waterloo
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Waterloo, Iowa. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$51,932
CDL-B Avg
$37,910
Non-CDL Avg
$32,198
Owner-Op Gross
$155,796
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Waterloo truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Waterloo
Waterloo's cost of living is 12% below the national average. Your trucking salary stretches further here than in most cities.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$51,932
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$59,014
After adjusting for Waterloo's cost of living index of 88, a CDL-A salary of $51,932 provides the same purchasing power as $59,014 in an average-cost area. Your money goes further in Waterloo than the raw salary suggests.
Waterloo vs Iowa vs National Average
| Metric | Waterloo | IA Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $51,932 | $55,200 | $58,710 |
| vs State | $-3,268 | ||
| vs National | $-6,778 | ||
| Cost of Living | 88 | 89 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $59,014 | $62,022 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Waterloo
Trucking pay in Waterloo has remained steady, supported by consistent freight demand from agricultural equipment (john deere) and meatpacking (tyson). The Iowa market offers reliable work with predictable earnings for CDL drivers.
Top Paying Companies in Waterloo
These carriers and logistics companies offer some of the highest truck driver pay in the Waterloo area.
| Company | Avg Annual Pay |
|---|---|
| 1J.B. Hunt | $63,034 |
| 2Schneider National | $61,152 |
| 3TMC Transportation | $59,270 |
| 4Crete Carrier | $58,330 |
Industries Driving Trucking Demand in Waterloo
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Waterloo market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Waterloo
Browse CDL driver positions in Waterloo, IA from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Waterloo
What is the average truck driver salary in Waterloo, IA?
CDL-A truck drivers in Waterloo, Iowa earn an average of $51,932 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Waterloo market is influenced by agricultural equipment (john deere) and meatpacking (tyson) freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Waterloo?
Owner-operators based in Waterloo gross approximately $155,796 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $59,202 to $74,782. The Waterloo area's cost of living index of 88 is below the national average by 12%.
Is Waterloo a good city for trucking jobs?
Waterloo offers strong trucking employment thanks to its agricultural equipment (john deere) and meatpacking (tyson) 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.