Truck Driver Salary in Iowa 2026
The average truck driver salary in Iowa is $1,716 per week as of 2026 — that's approximately $89,232 annually (or about $42.90 per hour) for qualified CDL drivers.
Truck driver salary in Iowa, 2026
How much does a Truck Driver make in Iowa?
Iowa Salary Snapshot
Iowa Truck Driver Pay at a Glance
Real wage data for Iowa pulled together in one clear view, so you know exactly what to expect before you get behind the wheel. From entry-level to top earners, wages span $47.1k – $169.3k annually
$89,232
Average Annual Salary
$1,716
Average Weekly Pay
$42.90
Average Hourly Pay
$169.3k
Top Earners (High Range)
Iowa City Breakdown
Truck Driver Salary by Iowa City
Pay varies across the Hawkeye State. Compare average earnings in Iowa's top cities to find where your driving career pays the most – based on real Indeed data and regional market trends.
Des Moines
$94,300/yr
Cedar Rapids
$91,800/yr
Davenport
$89,200/yr
Sioux City
$85,500/yr
Iowa City
$88,900/yr
Council Bluffs
$84,100/yr
Pay by Role
Iowa Salary by Driver Type
Earnings shift depending on the type of driving you do. Compare Iowa‑specific role averages to find the route that fits your income goals and lifestyle.
OTR Driver
$95,500/yr avg
Long-haul routes across multiple states, offering the highest earning potential in trucking.
View JobsRegional Driver
$90,100/yr avg
Multi-state routes within a defined region, balancing solid pay with more time at home.
View JobsLocal Driver
$81,200/yr avg
Short daily routes within a city or nearby area, ideal for drivers who want to be home every night.
View JobsDedicated Driver
$93,700/yr avg
Consistent routes for a single client, delivering predictable schedules and reliable income.
View JobsFlatbed Driver
$98,200/yr avg
Hauls oversized and open‑deck freight, commanding premium pay for specialized skill.
View JobsHazmat Driver
$109,800/yr avg
Transports hazardous materials and earns the highest average pay for certified specialists.
View JobsWhat Affects Truck Driver Salary in Iowa?
Truck driver pay isn't determined by a single factor. This dashboard highlights the key elements that influence earnings in Iowa and shows where drivers can maximize their income.
Competitive Earnings in Iowa
Iowa truck drivers earn an average of $1,716 per week ($89,232/year), which is same as the national average. Drivers with endorsements, dedicated routes, and strong safety records still have the opportunity to earn at the top of the range — up to $169,300 annually. These figures are based on 8.9k real Indeed salaries.
Major logistics hubs in Des Moines (state capital and distribution center), Cedar Rapids (manufacturing and agriculture), Davenport (Quad Cities logistics), Sioux City (meatpacking and agribusiness), and Council Bluffs (rail and intermodal) offer drivers access to high‑paying freight.
Iowa's robust agricultural sector (corn, soybeans, pork, and ethanol production), along with its food processing, manufacturing, renewable energy, and biotechnology industries, provides abundant opportunities for both local and regional drivers to maximize their earnings potential.
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 Iowa, answered in plain terms — based on real Indeed data.
What is the average truck driver salary in Iowa?
The average truck driver in Iowa earns around $89,232 per year, which breaks down to roughly $1,716 per week or ~$42.90 per hour (based on a 40-hour week). Pay varies based on route type, experience, and the company you drive for. Iowa salaries are same as the national average, and drivers with specialized endorsements can earn well over the average — with top earners reaching up to $169,300 annually.
Which Iowa city pays truck drivers the most?
Des Moines ($94,300/year) leads the state as Iowa's capital and largest distribution center along I‑80 and I‑35, followed by Cedar Rapids ($91,800) — a major manufacturing and agricultural hub along I‑380 — and Davenport ($89,200), part of the Quad Cities logistics network along I‑80 and the Mississippi River. Sioux City ($85,500) and Council Bluffs ($84,100) trend below the state average, reflecting more regional agricultural and meatpacking routes. The highest‑paying companies in Iowa specialize in dedicated OTR routes, flatbed freight serving agriculture and construction, and hazmat transport — especially around the Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport areas and along the I‑80, I‑35, and I‑29 freight corridors.
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 Iowa, specialized OTR routes — especially those connecting the Des Moines distribution hub, Cedar Rapids manufacturing center, and Davenport logistics corridor to the broader Midwest and national markets — 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 $89,232 Iowa average. Top earners in Iowa can make up to $169,300 per year.
How can truck drivers earn more in Iowa?
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 Iowa companies offer salaries well above the state average for experienced drivers with the right credentials, especially in key logistics hubs like the Des Moines distribution center, Cedar Rapids manufacturing hub, and the Quad Cities logistics corridor along I‑80 (New York to San Francisco), I‑35 (Canada to Mexico), and I‑29 (along the Missouri River) that connect the Hawkeye State to the broader Midwest and national markets. Iowa's robust agricultural sector (corn, soybeans, pork, ethanol production), food processing, manufacturing, renewable energy, and biotechnology industries create steady demand for specialized freight haulers, and the state's central location as a national crossroads provides unique opportunities for long‑haul and regional freight.
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 Iowa, hazmat drivers can earn well above the state average of $89,232, with top earners reaching up to $169,300 annually — especially those servicing the state's robust agriculture (corn, soybeans, pork, ethanol), food processing, manufacturing, renewable energy, and biotechnology sectors, plus the growing distribution networks across the Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Council Bluffs areas and along the I‑80, I‑35, and I‑29 corridors that connect Iowa to the greater Midwest and national markets.
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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.