Truck Driver salary in Chicago, IL
Median pay, Chicago metro
$62,300/year
about $29.95 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $50,580 – $77,660
Half of truck drivers in the Chicago metro area earn more than $62,300 a year and half earn less. That's 6% higher than the national median of $58,640, and ranks #9 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $41,300 | $19.86 |
| 25th | $50,580 | $24.32 |
| Median (50th) | $62,300 | $29.95 |
| 75th | $77,660 | $37.34 |
| 90th (top earners) | $88,230 | $42.42 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a truck driver job in the Chicago metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $50,580 ($24.32/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $50,580 to $77,660 ($24.32 to $37.34/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $77,660 ($37.34/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- Many drivers are paid per mile, so ask about typical weekly miles, not just the rate per mile.
- Ask how much home time you'll get and whether detention and layover time is paid.
- Lease-purchase offers can shift costs to the driver. Read the details carefully.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, Chicago metro. Occupation: Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (SOC 53-3032). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.