Truck Driver Salary in Indianapolis
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Indianapolis, Indiana. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$68,264
CDL-B Avg
$52,416
Non-CDL Avg
$55,048
Owner-Op Gross
$229,600
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Indianapolis truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Indianapolis
Indianapolis'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
$68,264
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$74,200
After adjusting for Indianapolis's cost of living index of 92, a CDL-A salary of $68,264 provides the same purchasing power as $74,200 in an average-cost area. Your money goes further in Indianapolis than the raw salary suggests.
Indianapolis vs Indiana vs National Average
| Metric | Indianapolis | IN Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $68,264 | $60,950 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$7,314 | ||
| vs National | +$9,554 | ||
| Cost of Living | 92 | 90 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $74,200 | $67,722 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Indianapolis
Truck driver wages in Indianapolis are trending upward, driven by growth in pharmaceutical distribution and automotive parts. E-commerce fulfillment expansion and high turnover across the Indiana market continue to push pay higher.
Which carriers run freight through Indianapolis?
These are large carriers with a real presence in the region. We do not publish what any of them pays in Indianapolis — that is a number only the carrier and the driver know, and it moves with the account, the lane and your record.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 Indianapolis
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Indianapolis market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Indianapolis
Browse CDL driver positions in Indianapolis, IN from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Indianapolis
What is the average truck driver salary in Indianapolis, IN?
CDL-A truck drivers in Indianapolis, Indiana earn an average of $68,264 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Indianapolis market is influenced by pharmaceutical distribution and automotive parts freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Indianapolis?
Owner-operators based in Indianapolis gross approximately $229,600 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $87,248 to $110,208. The Indianapolis area's cost of living index of 92 is below the national average by 8%.
Is Indianapolis a good city for trucking jobs?
Indianapolis offers strong trucking employment thanks to its pharmaceutical distribution and automotive parts 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.