Truck Driver Salary in Chicago
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Chicago, Illinois. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$73,667
CDL-B Avg
$61,832
Non-CDL Avg
$62,894
Owner-Op Gross
$295,000
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Chicago truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Chicago
Chicago's cost of living is 7% above the national average. Higher pay partially offsets increased housing and daily expenses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$73,667
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$68,848
After adjusting for Chicago's cost of living index of 107, a CDL-A salary of $73,667 provides the same purchasing power as $68,848 in an average-cost area. The higher nominal salary is partially offset by higher local expenses.
Chicago vs Illinois vs National Average
| Metric | Chicago | IL Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $73,667 | $62,430 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$11,237 | ||
| vs National | +$14,957 | ||
| Cost of Living | 107 | 96 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $68,848 | $65,031 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Chicago
Truck driver wages in Chicago are trending upward, driven by growth in intermodal transport and food processing. E-commerce fulfillment expansion and high turnover across the Illinois market continue to push pay higher.
Which carriers run freight through Chicago?
These are large carriers with a real presence in the region. We do not publish what any of them pays in Chicago — that is a number only the carrier and the driver know, and it moves with the account, the lane and your record. Ask for it in cents per mile alongside the expected weekly miles.
- Schneider National
- J.B. Hunt
- TMC Transportation
- Crete Carrier
Read our carrier profiles for pay structure, home time and equipment on each one.
Industries Driving Trucking Demand in Chicago
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Chicago market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Chicago
Browse CDL driver positions in Chicago, IL from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Chicago
What is the average truck driver salary in Chicago, IL?
CDL-A truck drivers in Chicago, Illinois earn an average of $73,667 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Chicago market is influenced by intermodal transport and food processing freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Chicago?
Owner-operators based in Chicago gross approximately $295,000 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $112,100 to $141,600. The Chicago area's cost of living index of 107 is above the national average by 7%.
Is Chicago a good city for trucking jobs?
Chicago offers strong trucking employment thanks to its intermodal transport and food processing sectors. The city's cost of living is above the national average, which should be factored into salary comparisons with lower-cost markets. CDL drivers with hazmat or tanker endorsements can earn 10-20% above the city average.