Truck Driver Salary in Gary
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Gary, Indiana. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$63,388
CDL-B Avg
$48,672
Non-CDL Avg
$51,116
Owner-Op Gross
$213,200
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Gary truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Gary
Gary's cost of living is 8% below the national average. Your trucking salary stretches further here than in most cities.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$63,388
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$68,900
After adjusting for Gary's cost of living index of 92, a CDL-A salary of $63,388 provides the same purchasing power as $68,900 in an average-cost area. Your money goes further in Gary than the raw salary suggests.
Gary vs Indiana vs National Average
| Metric | Gary | IN Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $63,388 | $60,950 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$2,438 | ||
| vs National | +$4,678 | ||
| Cost of Living | 92 | 90 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $68,900 | $67,722 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Gary
Trucking pay in Gary has remained steady, supported by consistent freight demand from steel manufacturing and oil refining. The Indiana market offers reliable work with predictable earnings for CDL drivers.
Which carriers run freight through Gary?
These are large carriers with a real presence in the region. We do not publish what any of them pays in Gary — that is a number only the carrier and the driver know, and it moves with the account, the lane and your record.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 Gary
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Gary market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Gary
Browse CDL driver positions in Gary, IN from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Gary
What is the average truck driver salary in Gary, IN?
CDL-A truck drivers in Gary, Indiana earn an average of $63,388 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Gary market is influenced by steel manufacturing and oil refining freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Gary?
Owner-operators based in Gary gross approximately $213,200 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $81,016 to $102,336. The Gary area's cost of living index of 92 is below the national average by 8%.
Is Gary a good city for trucking jobs?
Gary offers strong trucking employment thanks to its steel manufacturing and oil refining 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.