Truck Driver Salary in Illinois 2026
The average truck driver salary in Illinois is $1,644 per week as of 2026 — that's over $85,500 annually for qualified CDL drivers.
Truck driver salary in Illinois, 2026
How much does a Truck Driver make in Illinois?
Illinois Salary Snapshot
Illinois Truck Driver Pay at a Glance
Real wage data for Illinois pulled together in one clear view, so you know exactly what to expect before you get behind the wheel.
$85,500
Average Salary
$1,644
Average Weekly Pay
$41.10
Average Hourly Pay
$88.4k+
Top Earners
Illinois City Breakdown
Truck Driver Salary by Illinois City
Pay varies across the state. Compare average earnings in major Illinois cities to find where your driving career pays the most – based on real Indeed data.
Chicago
$89,400/yr
Naperville
$87,600/yr
Aurora
$86,200/yr
Rockford
$84,200/yr
Peoria
$83,000/yr
Springfield
$81,800/yr
Pay by Role
Illinois Salary by Driver Type
Earnings shift depending on the type of driving you do. Compare Illinois‑specific role averages to find the route that fits your income goals and lifestyle.
OTR Driver
$81,800/yr avg
Long-haul routes across multiple states, offering the highest earning potential in trucking.
View JobsRegional Driver
$74,400/yr avg
Multi-state routes within a defined region, balancing solid pay with more time at home.
View JobsLocal Driver
$66,600/yr avg
Short daily routes within a city or nearby area, ideal for drivers who want to be home every night.
View JobsDedicated Driver
$76,200/yr avg
Consistent routes for a single client, delivering predictable schedules and reliable income.
View JobsFlatbed Driver
$83,900/yr avg
Hauls oversized and open-deck freight, commanding premium pay for specialized skill.
View JobsHazmat Driver
$88,900/yr avg
Transports hazardous materials and earns the highest average pay for certified specialists.
View JobsWhat Affects Truck Driver Salary?
Truck driver pay isn't determined by a single factor. This dashboard highlights the key elements that influence earnings in Illinois and shows where drivers can maximize their income.
Solid Earnings in Illinois
Illinois truck drivers earn an average of $1,644 per week ($85,500/year), which is in line with the national average and offers strong earning potential. Drivers with endorsements, dedicated routes, and strong safety records tend to earn at the top of the range.
Experience
18%Route Type
24%CDL Endorsements
31%Miles Driven
21%Company
16%Driving Record
27%Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about truck driver pay in Illinois, answered in plain terms — based on real Indeed data.
What is the average truck driver salary in Illinois?
The average truck driver in Illinois earns around $85,500 per year, which breaks down to roughly $1,644 per week or ~$41.10 per hour (based on a 40-hour week). Pay varies based on route type, experience, and the company you drive for. Illinois salaries are competitive with the national average, offering strong earning potential — especially for drivers with specialized endorsements.
Which Illinois city pays truck drivers the most?
Chicago leads the state with an average salary of $89,400 per year, well above the Illinois average. Other high‑paying cities include Naperville ($87,600), Aurora ($86,200), and Rockford ($84,200), which is close to the state average. Springfield is slightly below at ~$81,800. The highest‑paying companies in Illinois often specialize in dedicated OTR routes and hazmat freight.
Do local drivers make more than OTR drivers?
Generally no. OTR drivers tend to earn more overall because of higher mileage and longer routes, while local drivers trade some income for the benefit of being home every day. In Illinois, specialized OTR routes can significantly boost earnings well beyond the state average.
Does experience affect truck driver salary?
Yes, significantly. Drivers with several years of clean‑record experience often qualify for premium routes and specialized freight, which can raise annual pay well above the $85,500 Illinois average. Top earners in Illinois can make over $88,400 per year.
How can truck drivers earn more in Illinois?
Adding CDL endorsements (hazmat, tanker, doubles/triples), taking on flatbed or specialized freight, driving more miles, and maintaining a clean safety record are the fastest ways to increase earnings. Top Illinois companies offer salaries well above the state average for experienced drivers with the right credentials.
Are CDL endorsements worth it?
In most cases, yes. Endorsements like hazmat or tanker require extra testing but open access to specialized freight that pays noticeably more than standard routes. In Illinois, hazmat drivers can earn well above the state average of $85,500, with top earners reaching over $88,400 annually.
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Whether you're a driver ready for a better opportunity, or a carrier that needs qualified CDL talent — Remms is ready when you are.