Truck Driver Salary in Wisconsin 2026
The average truck driver salary in Wisconsin is $1,673 per week as of 2026 — that's approximately $86,996 annually (or about $41.83 per hour) for qualified CDL drivers.
Truck driver salary in Wisconsin, 2026
How much does a Truck Driver make in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin Salary Snapshot
Wisconsin Truck Driver Pay at a Glance
Real wage data for Wisconsin 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 $44.4k – $170.4k annually
$86,996
Average Annual Salary
$1,673
Average Weekly Pay
$41.83
Average Hourly Pay
$170.4k
Top Earners (High Range)
Wisconsin City Breakdown
Truck Driver Salary by Wisconsin City
Pay varies across the Badger State. Compare average earnings in Wisconsin's top cities to find where your driving career pays the most – based on real Indeed data and regional market trends.
Milwaukee
$94,800/yr
Madison
$91,400/yr
Green Bay
$88,200/yr
Kenosha
$86,500/yr
Appleton
$84,600/yr
Eau Claire
$80,200/yr
Pay by Role
Wisconsin Salary by Driver Type
Earnings shift depending on the type of driving you do. Compare Wisconsin‑specific role averages to find the route that fits your income goals and lifestyle.
OTR Driver
$93,100/yr avg
Long-haul routes across multiple states, offering the highest earning potential in trucking.
View JobsRegional Driver
$87,800/yr avg
Multi-state routes within a defined region, balancing solid pay with more time at home.
View JobsLocal Driver
$79,100/yr avg
Short daily routes within a city or nearby area, ideal for drivers who want to be home every night.
View JobsDedicated Driver
$91,400/yr avg
Consistent routes for a single client, delivering predictable schedules and reliable income.
View JobsFlatbed Driver
$95,800/yr avg
Hauls oversized and open‑deck freight, commanding premium pay for specialized skill.
View JobsHazmat Driver
$107,200/yr avg
Transports hazardous materials and earns the highest average pay for certified specialists.
View JobsWhat Affects Truck Driver Salary in Wisconsin?
Truck driver pay isn't determined by a single factor. This dashboard highlights the key elements that influence earnings in Wisconsin and shows where drivers can maximize their income.
Strong Earnings in Wisconsin
Wisconsin truck drivers earn an average of $1,673 per week ($86,996/year), which is above 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 $170,400 annually.
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 Wisconsin, answered in plain terms — based on real Indeed data.
What is the average truck driver salary in Wisconsin?
The average truck driver in Wisconsin earns around $86,996 per year, which breaks down to roughly $1,673 per week or ~$41.83 per hour (based on a 40-hour week). Pay varies based on route type, experience, and the company you drive for. Wisconsin salaries are above the national average, and drivers with specialized endorsements can earn well over the average — with top earners reaching up to $170,400 annually.
Which Wisconsin city pays truck drivers the most?
Milwaukee ($94,800/year) leads the state as Wisconsin's largest metro and a major distribution hub along the I‑94 corridor and Lake Michigan port, followed by Madison ($91,400) at the crossroads of I‑39, I‑90, and I‑94 with a growing logistics sector and Green Bay ($88,200) along I‑41 in the heart of the paper and manufacturing region. Kenosha ($86,500) sits near the state average along the I‑94 industrial corridor close to Chicago, while Appleton ($84,600) in the Fox Valley and Eau Claire ($80,200) in western Wisconsin along I‑94 trend slightly lower due to smaller freight volumes. The highest‑paying companies in Wisconsin specialize in dedicated OTR routes, flatbed freight for the paper and manufacturing sectors, and hazmat transport — especially around the Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay areas and the I‑94, I‑41, and I‑39 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 Wisconsin, specialized OTR routes — especially those connecting the Milwaukee distribution hub, Madison logistics network, and Green Bay manufacturing centers to the broader Midwest — 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 $86,996 Wisconsin average. Top earners in Wisconsin can make up to $170,400 per year.
How can truck drivers earn more in Wisconsin?
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 Wisconsin companies offer salaries well above the state average for experienced drivers with the right credentials, especially in key logistics hubs like the Milwaukee port and distribution center, Madison's growing logistics network, and Green Bay's industrial and paper sector and the growing freight corridors along I‑94, I‑41, and I‑39 that connect the Great Lakes region to the Upper Midwest and beyond. The state's strong manufacturing, paper, and agricultural sectors also create steady demand for specialized freight haulers.
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 Wisconsin, hazmat drivers can earn well above the state average of $86,996, with top earners reaching up to $170,400 annually — especially those servicing the state's strong manufacturing base, paper and agricultural sectors, and growing distribution networks across the Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay areas and along the I‑94, I‑41, and I‑39 corridors.
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