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How Much Do Commercial Truck Drivers Make in Iowa?

  • Writer: Emily Parker
    Emily Parker
  • Apr 10
  • 4 min read

Iowa plays a vital role in keeping America moving. As a major hub for agriculture, food processing, and renewable fuels, the state depends on commercial truck drivers to move products across the Midwest and beyond. That strong demand means better job security, higher pay, and clear opportunities for career growth.

Whether you're just getting your CDL or switching careers, Iowa offers one of the most dependable trucking job markets in the country. Here's what you need to know about pay, opportunities, and how CDL eXpert can help you get started fast.


Truck Driver Salaries in Iowa: What You Can Expect

Your salary as a truck driver in Iowa depends on your experience, what you haul, and whether you have endorsements. Here's what most drivers can expect:

  • Entry-Level Drivers – Just starting out? Expect $41,000 to $50,000 per year.

  • Experienced Drivers – With a few years on the road, pay rises to $55,000 to $75,000 annually.

  • Class A CDL Drivers – Long-haul or specialized freight haulers can earn $65,000 to $85,000 or more.

  • Owner-Operators – Independent drivers in Iowa often earn $150,000 to $240,000+, depending on contracts and expenses.

CDL endorsements like HazMat, Tanker, and Doubles/Triples can boost your pay by 10–30%, opening the door to specialized and higher-paying routes.


Check out our article on the cost of obtaining your CDL in Iowa to learn more.


Top-Paying Cities for Truck Drivers in Iowa

Some cities in Iowa pay more due to their location, freight volume, and industry presence. Based on current demand, these areas stand out:

  • Des Moines – With major warehouses, interstate routes, and logistics centers, drivers here make between $62,000 and $90,000.

  • Cedar Rapids – Home to major food manufacturers like Quaker Oats and General Mills. Drivers earn around $60,000 to $85,000.

  • Davenport – As part of the Quad Cities, it supports cross-state and regional hauls with wages in the $58,000 to $80,000 range.

  • Sioux City – Serving ag and meatpacking industries, drivers average $57,000 to $78,000 per year.

Council Bluffs – Adjacent to Omaha and located along key trucking corridors, drivers earn about $59,000 to $82,000 annually.

Iowa’s strong highway infrastructure, including I-80 and I-35, gives CDL drivers access to long-haul and regional freight opportunities.


Best-Paying Industries for Truck Drivers in Iowa

Certain industries in Iowa consistently offer higher pay and job security:

  • Agriculture and Grain Transport – With Iowa leading in corn, soybeans, and pork, ag freight moves year-round and pays well.

  • Refrigerated and Processed Food Freight – The meatpacking and food processing sectors require steady refrigerated (reefer) hauls.

  • Renewable Fuel and Ethanol Hauling – Iowa is the top ethanol producer in the U.S. Tanker-certified drivers can earn top pay in this sector.

  • Hazardous Materials – Fuel, chemicals, and fertilizers transported across the state offer premium pay for HazMat-certified drivers.

  • Construction and Heavy Equipment – Infrastructure projects and farming operations require flatbed and heavy equipment haulers.

If you're looking to specialize, getting endorsements like HazMat (H), Tanker (N), or a combination (X) can significantly boost your options and income.


What Impacts Driver Pay in Iowa?

Several factors play a role in how much you earn:

  • Experience – More time behind the wheel usually means higher-paying opportunities.

  • Endorsements – HazMat, Tanker, and Doubles/Triples open the door to better-paying freight.

  • Freight Type – Specialized hauls like food, chemicals, and oversized loads pay more than general freight.

  • Route Type – OTR (Over-the-Road) and regional drivers typically earn more than those doing short, local runs.


How to Boost Your Earnings as a Truck Driver in Iowa

Want to increase your pay and job options? Here’s how to make the most of your CDL:

  • Earn Additional Endorsements – HazMat, Tanker, and Doubles/Triples give you access to high-paying loads.

  • Focus on In-Demand Freight – Look for jobs in food production, ethanol, or grain hauling.

  • Choose Longer Routes – Long-haul and regional jobs often come with better pay and sign-on bonuses.

  • Become an Owner-Operator – Owning your own truck can lead to a six-figure income with the right contracts.

  • Ask About Bonuses – Many companies offer incentives for safety, performance, and loyalty.


Is Trucking a Good Career in Iowa?

Absolutely. Trucking is one of Iowa’s most reliable and rewarding career paths. With major exports like pork, soybeans, ethanol, and processed food, there’s always freight to haul—and always a need for CDL drivers.

Iowa's investment in infrastructure and its location in the heart of the Midwest ensure that freight continues moving. For CDL drivers, that means job stability, competitive wages, and real opportunities to grow your income and your future.


How CDL eXpert Helps You Launch Your Career

We make it simple to get started, even if you’re new to trucking. CDL eXpert offers everything you need to earn your CDL and start a high-paying job fast:

  • FMCSA-Registered ELDT Training – Fully compliant with federal training requirements.

  • 100% Online, Mobile-Friendly – Study from your phone or computer, on your schedule.

  • Instant Certification – As soon as you finish, we send your results directly to the FMCSA.

  • Job Placement Help – We’ll connect you with companies hiring right now in Iowa.

  • Affordable Training Options – We offer payment plans, grants, and scholarships to make training accessible.


Get On the Road to a High-Paying Career in Iowa

CDL eXpert has helped over 100,000 students launch their trucking careers. If you're looking for a stable, high-paying career and the chance to learn from anywhere, we’re ready to help you get there—fast.

Take control of your future today. Enroll in CDL training and start building a better life behind the wheel.


FAQs

What’s the average truck driver salary in Iowa? 

Most truckers in Iowa earn between $41,000 and $85,000. Specialized drivers and owner-operators can make much more.

Where in Iowa do truckers earn the most? 

Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Council Bluffs offer some of the highest salaries for CDL drivers.

How can I start my CDL training? 

Sign up for CDL eXpert’s online ELDT training. It’s mobile-friendly, affordable, and includes job placement support.

What kind of freight pays the most? 

Freight in agriculture, ethanol, food processing, and HazMat transport generally pays more—especially if you have the right endorsements.


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