Idaho’s trucking industry is a major force in the state’s economy, keeping essential industries like agriculture, timber, and manufacturing moving. With a strong demand for commercial drivers, competitive salaries, and opportunities in multiple sectors, Idaho is an excellent place to launch or advance a trucking career.
Below, we’ll break down truck driver salaries in Idaho, the highest-paying cities, and the industries that offer top wages—plus how CDL eXpert can help you get started.
How Much Do Truck Drivers Make in Idaho?
Your salary as a truck driver in Idaho depends on your experience, CDL endorsements, and the type of freight you haul. Here’s what drivers can expect to earn:
Entry-Level Drivers – Newly licensed CDL holders typically start between $42,000 and $52,000 per year.
Experienced Drivers – With three to five years of experience, wages rise to $60,000 to $80,000 annually.
Class A CDL Drivers – Long-haul and specialized drivers make $70,000 to $90,000 per year.
Owner-Operators – Independent truckers can earn between $150,000 and $250,000+ per year, depending on contracts and expenses.
Truck driver salaries can vary depending on the freight type, route distance, and endorsements such as HazMat or Tanker certification. Check out our article on the cost of obtaining your CDL in Idaho to learn more.
Highest-Paying Cities and Regions for Truck Drivers in Idaho
Some cities and regions in Idaho offer higher salaries due to freight volume, cost of living, and industry presence. These are the best-paying areas:
Boise & Treasure Valley – As Idaho’s largest metro area, truckers earn between $68,000 and $95,000 per year, especially in regional and over-the-road (OTR) hauls.
Twin Falls & Magic Valley – A hub for dairy and agricultural transport, drivers in this region typically make $65,000 to $85,000 annually.
Idaho Falls & Eastern Idaho – With strong food processing and manufacturing industries, wages range from $62,000 to $82,000 per year.
Coeur d’Alene & Northern Idaho – Located near major trade routes, this region offers salaries between $65,000 and $88,000 per year, especially for timber and cross-state hauls.
Drivers who haul freight across state lines or take long-haul routes often earn higher salaries than those in local delivery positions.
Industries That Pay Truck Drivers the Most in Idaho
Truckers in Idaho can increase their earnings by working in the state’s highest-paying industries:
Agricultural Freight – Idaho is known for its potatoes, dairy, and grain, making agricultural transport one of the most stable and high-demand trucking sectors.
Timber & Logging Transport – With large forests and a growing timber industry, Idaho provides well-paying jobs for flatbed and heavy-haul drivers.
Refrigerated Freight (Reefer) – The state’s food production industry creates a high demand for reefer drivers, offering higher-than-average pay.
Hazardous Materials (HazMat) & Tanker Transport – Hauling fuel, chemicals, and other hazardous materials can pay 10-30% more than standard freight hauling.
Construction & Heavy Equipment Hauling – With continued infrastructure growth, drivers transporting oversized loads and construction equipment command higher wages.
Many trucking companies in Idaho offer bonuses for specialized freight, making endorsements like HazMat, Tanker, and Doubles/Triples valuable career boosters.
Factors That Impact Truck Driver Salaries in Idaho
A truck driver’s earnings can vary based on several factors, including:
Experience – The longer you drive, the more you earn—especially in specialized industries.
CDL Endorsements – Adding a HazMat, Tanker, or Doubles/Triples endorsement increases job opportunities and wages.
Freight Type – Specialized loads such as refrigerated goods, oversized cargo, and hazardous materials pay more.
Route Type – OTR (long-haul) and regional drivers generally earn more than local delivery drivers.
How to Earn More as a Truck Driver in Idaho
If you want to increase your earnings, here are some ways to maximize your pay as a CDL driver in Idaho:
Earn CDL Endorsements – Getting HazMat, Tanker, or Doubles/Triples certifications can help you qualify for higher-paying jobs.
Target High-Paying Industries – Jobs in agriculture, timber, HazMat transport, and refrigerated freight offer some of the best salaries in Idaho.
Look for Bonuses – Many trucking companies offer sign-on bonuses, performance incentives, and retention bonuses to experienced drivers.
Consider Regional or OTR Routes – While local jobs offer stability, long-haul trucking positions generally pay more.
Explore Owner-Operator Opportunities – Running your own trucking business in Idaho’s freight market can be highly profitable.
Is Trucking a Good Career in Idaho?
Yes! Trucking is one of Idaho’s most stable and well-paying careers. The state relies on truckers to transport goods across the country, and demand for CDL drivers continues to rise.
Additionally, Idaho’s economy is heavily dependent on agriculture, manufacturing, and timber, creating steady freight movement and long-term job stability. Seasonal freight increases, such as during harvest time, also give drivers additional opportunities to boost their earnings.
With continued growth in infrastructure projects, manufacturing, and cross-state trade, trucking remains a reliable and high-demand career in Idaho.
How CDL eXpert Can Help You Start Your Trucking Career
CDL eXpert provides FMCSA-registered ELDT training to help Idaho truck drivers start and grow their careers.
FMCSA-Registered ELDT Training – Our Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) program is listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR) and meets all federal requirements for Class A and Class B CDLs.
Flexible Online Learning – Train at your own pace, from any phone, tablet, or computer.
Job Placement Assistance – We help graduates connect with high-paying trucking jobs in Idaho.
Affordable Training Options – We offer scholarships, grants, and payment plans to make training accessible.
We take the guesswork out of CDL training, making it easy for you to start your trucking career quickly and affordably.
Get Started on Your Trucking Career in Idaho Today
CDL eXpert is committed to helping you build a successful and high-paying trucking career in Idaho. Whether you're just getting started or looking to expand your skills, our FMCSA-registered ELDT training and job placement resources will set you up for success.
Take control of your future. Enroll today and start your journey toward a rewarding trucking career.
FAQs
What is the average salary for truck drivers in Idaho?
Truck drivers in Idaho earn between $42,000 and $90,000 per year, with specialized roles paying even more.
How can I increase my earnings as a truck driver in Idaho?
Obtain CDL endorsements, gain experience, and focus on high-paying industries like timber hauling, HazMat transport, and agricultural freight.
Which areas in Idaho offer the best pay for truck drivers?
Boise, Coeur d’Alene, and Twin Falls are among the highest-paying regions for CDL drivers.
How do I get started?
Sign up for CDL training with CDL eXpert today and take the first step toward a high-paying trucking career in Idaho.
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