Truck Driver Salary in Indiana 2026
The average truck driver salary in Indiana is $1,565 per week as of 2026 — that's $81,380 annually for qualified CDL drivers.
Truck driver salary in Indiana, 2026
How much does a Truck Driver make in Indiana?
Indiana Salary Snapshot
Indiana Truck Driver Pay at a Glance
Real wage data for Indiana pulled together in one clear view, so you know exactly what to expect before you get behind the wheel.
$81,380
Average Salary
$1,565
Average Weekly Pay
$39.13
Average Hourly Pay
$153.6k+
Top Earners
Indiana City Breakdown
Truck Driver Salary by Indiana City
Pay varies across the state. Compare average earnings in major Indiana cities to find where your driving career pays the most – based on real Indeed data.
Gary
$91,000/yr
Indianapolis
$86,500/yr
Fort Wayne
$82,000/yr
South Bend
$81,000/yr
Evansville
$78,000/yr
Bloomington
$76,000/yr
Pay by Role
Indiana Salary by Driver Type
Earnings shift depending on the type of driving you do. Compare Indiana‑specific role averages to find the route that fits your income goals and lifestyle.
OTR Driver
$82,400/yr avg
Long-haul routes across multiple states, offering the highest earning potential in trucking.
View JobsRegional Driver
$74,500/yr avg
Multi-state routes within a defined region, balancing solid pay with more time at home.
View JobsLocal Driver
$66,800/yr avg
Short daily routes within a city or nearby area, ideal for drivers who want to be home every night.
View JobsDedicated Driver
$77,100/yr avg
Consistent routes for a single client, delivering predictable schedules and reliable income.
View JobsFlatbed Driver
$84,200/yr avg
Hauls oversized and open-deck freight, commanding premium pay for specialized skill.
View JobsHazmat Driver
$87,300/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 Indiana and shows where drivers can maximize their income.
Steady Earnings in Indiana
Indiana truck drivers earn an average of $1,565 per week ($81,380/year), which is 8% below the national average. Drivers with endorsements, dedicated routes, and strong safety records still have the opportunity 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 Indiana, answered in plain terms — based on real Indeed data.
What is the average truck driver salary in Indiana?
The average truck driver in Indiana earns around $81,380 per year, which breaks down to roughly $1,565 per week or ~$39.13 per hour (based on a 40-hour week). Pay varies based on route type, experience, and the company you drive for. Indiana salaries are 8% below the national average, but drivers with specialized endorsements can still earn well into the six-figure range.
Which Indiana city pays truck drivers the most?
Gary leads the state with an average salary of $91,000 per year, driven by its proximity to the Chicago metro and higher freight demand. Other high‑paying cities include Indianapolis ($86,500), Fort Wayne ($82,000), and South Bend ($81,000), which is close to the state average. Evansville ($78,000) and Bloomington ($76,000) sit below the state average. The highest‑paying companies in Indiana often specialize in dedicated OTR routes and hazmat freight, particularly in the industrial hubs around Northwest Indiana (Chicago metro), Indianapolis, and Fort Wayne.
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 Indiana, 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 $81,380 Indiana average. Top earners in Indiana can make over $153,600 per year.
How can truck drivers earn more in Indiana?
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 Indiana companies offer salaries well above the state average for experienced drivers with the right credentials, especially in logistics hubs like Northwest Indiana (Chicago metro), Indianapolis, and Fort Wayne.
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 Indiana, hazmat drivers can earn well above the state average of $81,380, with top earners reaching over $153,600 annually.
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