Truck Driver Salaries in Iowa — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026Iowa pays truck drivers a median wage of $55,080 per year — that's $26.48/hr based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. The state's 37,430 truck drivers make up a meaningful portion of the regional workforce.
Truck Driver salaries in Iowa are below the national average by approximately $1,412. Iowa has a state income tax rate of up to 6%.
Iowa's diverse economy underpins consistent demand for truck drivers across both urban and rural areas.
Iowa Truck Driver Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Iowa after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Iowa has a state income tax rate of up to 6%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Iowa has a state income tax rate of up to 6%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Iowa Truck Driver Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Iowa median of $55,080.
Truck Driver Salary by Experience — Iowa
Truck Driver Salary Trend in Iowa — 2021 to 2026
5-Year Datatruck drivers pay in Iowa has risen approximately 13.9% since 2021, mirroring national trends across the truck driver workforce. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Iowa's freight and logistics.
Truck Driver Salary by City — Iowa
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines | $61,150 | $29.40 | +11.0% | 13,100 |
| Cedar Rapids | $58,400 | $28.08 | +6.0% | 10,480 |
| Davenport | $56,750 | $27.28 | +3.0% | 6,737 |
| Sioux City | $52,900 | $25.43 | -4.0% | 3,368 |
| Iowa City | $50,100 | $24.09 | -9.0% | 2,245 |
| Waterloo | $47,900 | $23.03 | -13.0% | 1,497 |
Tip: Des Moines offers the highest truck driver salaries in Iowa at $61,150/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Iowa vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Iowa sits in the mid-range for truck drivers.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Iowa has a state income tax rate of up to 6%.
Truck Driver Job Outlook in Iowa
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for truck drivers in Iowa is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Iowa job market. Iowa's diverse economy underpins consistent demand for truck drivers across both urban and rural areas.
How to Earn More as a Truck Driver in Iowa
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a truck driver in Iowa typically adds $45,200 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State DMV — CDL Licence can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Des Moines pays truck drivers $61,150/yr — +11.0% above the Iowa average. Simply relocating within Iowa 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 Iowa. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Minnesota pays truck drivers $61,090/yr — 10.9% vs Iowa.
Find Truck Driver Jobs in Iowa
Live ListingsSearch current truck driver job vacancies in Iowa:
🔍 Truck Driver jobs in Iowa — Indeed→ 🔍 Truck Driver jobs in Iowa — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Truck Driver jobs — Des Moines, IA→