Truck Driver Salary in Milwaukee
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$62,085
CDL-B Avg
$45,943
Non-CDL Avg
$39,734
Owner-Op Gross
$192,464
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Milwaukee truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Milwaukee
Milwaukee's cost of living is near the national average, offering a balanced ratio of salary to expenses for truck drivers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$62,085
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$65,353
After adjusting for Milwaukee's cost of living index of 95, a CDL-A salary of $62,085 provides the same purchasing power as $65,353 in an average-cost area. Your money goes further in Milwaukee than the raw salary suggests.
Milwaukee vs Wisconsin vs National Average
| Metric | Milwaukee | WI Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $62,085 | $57,200 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$4,885 | ||
| vs National | +$3,375 | ||
| Cost of Living | 95 | 93 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $65,353 | $61,505 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Milwaukee
Truck driver wages in Milwaukee are trending upward, driven by growth in manufacturing & machinery and brewing & beverage. E-commerce fulfillment expansion and a persistent driver shortage in the Wisconsin market continue to push pay higher.
Top Paying Companies in Milwaukee
These carriers and logistics companies offer some of the highest truck driver pay in the Milwaukee area.
| Company | Avg Annual Pay |
|---|---|
| 1J.B. Hunt | $72,722 |
| 2Estes Express | $71,636 |
| 3TMC Transportation | $68,380 |
| 4Crete Carrier | $67,295 |
Industries Driving Trucking Demand in Milwaukee
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Milwaukee market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Milwaukee
Browse CDL driver positions in Milwaukee, WI from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Milwaukee
What is the average truck driver salary in Milwaukee, WI?
CDL-A truck drivers in Milwaukee, Wisconsin earn an average of $62,085 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Milwaukee market is influenced by manufacturing & machinery and brewing & beverage freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Milwaukee?
Owner-operators based in Milwaukee gross approximately $192,464 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $73,136 to $92,383. The Milwaukee area's cost of living index of 95 is near the national average.
Is Milwaukee a good city for trucking jobs?
Milwaukee offers strong trucking employment thanks to its manufacturing & machinery and brewing & beverage sectors. The city's cost of living is near 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.