Truck Driver Salary in Appleton
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Appleton, Wisconsin. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$56,628
CDL-B Avg
$42,471
Non-CDL Avg
$35,676
Owner-Op Gross
$169,884
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Appleton truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Appleton
Appleton'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
$56,628
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$60,243
After adjusting for Appleton's cost of living index of 94, a CDL-A salary of $56,628 provides the same purchasing power as $60,243 in an average-cost area. Your money goes further in Appleton than the raw salary suggests.
Appleton vs Wisconsin vs National Average
| Metric | Appleton | WI Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $56,628 | $57,200 | $58,710 |
| vs State | $-572 | ||
| vs National | $-2,082 | ||
| Cost of Living | 94 | 93 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $60,243 | $61,505 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Appleton
Trucking pay in Appleton has remained steady, supported by consistent freight demand from paper & packaging and insurance (thrivent). The Wisconsin market offers reliable work with predictable earnings for CDL drivers.
Top Paying Companies in Appleton
These carriers and logistics companies offer some of the highest truck driver pay in the Appleton area.
| Company | Avg Annual Pay |
|---|---|
| 1Estes Express | $65,340 |
| 2Hub Group | $63,360 |
| 3TMC Transportation | $62,370 |
| 4Crete Carrier | $61,380 |
Industries Driving Trucking Demand in Appleton
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Appleton market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Appleton
Browse CDL driver positions in Appleton, WI from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Appleton
What is the average truck driver salary in Appleton, WI?
CDL-A truck drivers in Appleton, Wisconsin earn an average of $56,628 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Appleton market is influenced by paper & packaging and insurance (thrivent) freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Appleton?
Owner-operators based in Appleton gross approximately $169,884 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $64,556 to $81,544. The Appleton area's cost of living index of 94 is below the national average by 6%.
Is Appleton a good city for trucking jobs?
Appleton offers strong trucking employment thanks to its paper & packaging and insurance (thrivent) 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.