Truck Driver Salaries in Illinois — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026Truck Drivers in Illinois earn an average of $59,790 per year ($28.75/hr) according to the latest BLS data. The state currently employs around 76,650 truck drivers.
Truck Driver salaries in Illinois are above the national average by approximately $3,298. Illinois has a flat state income tax rate of 4.95%.
Illinois's manufacturing base and stable economy provide steady employment for truck drivers.
Illinois Truck Driver Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Illinois after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Illinois has a flat state income tax rate of 4.95%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Illinois has a flat state income tax rate of 4.95%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Illinois Truck Driver Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Illinois median of $59,790.
Truck Driver Salary by Experience — Illinois
Truck Driver Salary Trend in Illinois — 2021 to 2026
5-Year Datatruck drivers pay in Illinois has risen approximately 13.9% since 2021, mirroring national trends across the truck driver workforce. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Illinois's freight and logistics.
Truck Driver Salary by City — Illinois
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | $66,350 | $31.90 | +11.0% | 26,827 |
| Aurora | $63,400 | $30.48 | +6.0% | 21,462 |
| Naperville | $61,600 | $29.62 | +3.0% | 13,797 |
| Joliet | $57,400 | $27.60 | -4.0% | 6,898 |
| Rockford | $54,400 | $26.15 | -9.0% | 4,599 |
| Springfield | $52,000 | $25.00 | -13.0% | 3,066 |
Tip: Chicago offers the highest truck driver salaries in Illinois at $66,350/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Illinois vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Illinois sits in the mid-range for truck drivers.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Illinois has a flat state income tax rate of 4.95%.
Truck Driver Job Outlook in Illinois
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for truck drivers in Illinois is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Illinois job market. Illinois's manufacturing base and stable economy provide steady employment for truck drivers.
How to Earn More as a Truck Driver in Illinois
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a truck driver in Illinois typically adds $49,000 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State DMV — CDL Licence can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Chicago pays truck drivers $66,350/yr — +11.0% above the Illinois average. Simply relocating within Illinois can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Truck Drivers who specialise in freight and logistics typically command premium rates in Illinois. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Wisconsin pays truck drivers $57,380/yr — -4.0% vs Illinois.
Find Truck Driver Jobs in Illinois
Live ListingsSearch current truck driver job vacancies in Illinois:
🔍 Truck Driver jobs in Illinois — Indeed→ 🔍 Truck Driver jobs in Illinois — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Truck Driver jobs — Chicago, IL→