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
$58,890
CDL-B Avg
$46,000
Non-CDL Avg
$48,570
Owner-Op Gross
$200,000
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 7% below the national average. Your trucking salary stretches further here than in most cities.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$58,890
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$63,323
After adjusting for Appleton's cost of living index of 93, a CDL-A salary of $58,890 provides the same purchasing power as $63,323 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 | $58,890 | $58,890 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$0 | ||
| vs National | +$180 | ||
| Cost of Living | 93 | 93 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $63,323 | $63,323 | $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.
Which carriers run freight through Appleton?
These are large carriers with a real presence in the region. We do not publish what any of them pays in Appleton — that is a number only the carrier and the driver know, and it moves with the account, the lane and your record.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 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 $58,890 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 $200,000 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $76,000 to $96,000. The Appleton area's cost of living index of 93 is below the national average by 7%.
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.