Truck Driver Salary in Iowa (2026): BLS OEWS Data, Top Metros & Carriers
Last verified: 2026-04-20 against the BLS OEWS 53-3032 May 2024 release (published March 2025).
Iowa sits on I-80, one of the nation's most important east-west freight corridors, and is home to two of the largest truckload carriers in the U.S. — CRST (HQ Cedar Rapids) and Heartland Express (HQ North Liberty). The state's agricultural freight base (corn, soybeans, pork, ethanol) drives significant tanker, hopper, and reefer work. Des Moines is the largest distribution metro; Cedar Rapids anchors the eastern freight cluster; Council Bluffs sits across from Omaha at the I-29/I-80 junction.
Key Takeaways
- BLS OEWS 53-3032, May 2024 — Iowa state median: $60,590. Employment: ~28,680.2
- Iowa median sits ~$3,150 above the national median — above-national pay driven by strong carrier concentration + I-80 corridor density.
- Top paying metros: Des Moines–West Des Moines MSA, Cedar Rapids MSA, Davenport–Moline–Rock Island (Quad Cities) MSA.
- Distinguishing features: CRST and Heartland Express HQs, I-80 east-west freight spine, agricultural bulk freight, ethanol production freight, John Deere (Waterloo) dedicated.
Iowa Truck Driver Wages — BLS OEWS 53-3032 State Data
Verify at https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ia.htm.2
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Annual median wage | $60,590 |
| State employment | ~28,680 |
| State vs national median | +$3,150 (+5.5%) |
How Iowa Compares to the National Median
Iowa's $60,590 median sits ~$3,150 above national.12 BEA Regional Price Parities for Iowa track below the national index — real purchasing power is strong. State income tax is being reduced toward a flat 3.9% under ongoing tax reform, making Iowa increasingly tax-competitive.
Top Iowa Metros for Truck Drivers
Des Moines–West Des Moines MSA
- Principal Financial, Wells Fargo, Kum & Go HQ — insurance + corporate freight.
- Amazon, Target, Walmart distribution.
- I-35 / I-80 convergence.
Data: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_19780.htm.4
Cedar Rapids MSA
- CRST International HQ — one of the largest truckload carriers in the U.S.
- Quaker Oats / PepsiCo food manufacturing.
- Collins Aerospace.
- I-380 + I-80 corridors.
Data: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_16300.htm.4
Davenport–Moline–Rock Island (Quad Cities) MSA
- John Deere headquarters (Moline IL side) + manufacturing facilities.
- Mississippi River intermodal + barge.
- I-80 / I-88 corridor.
Data: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_19340.htm.4
Major Freight Industries Driving Iowa Pay
| Industry | Endorsement fit | Pay band |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural bulk (grain, hopper, ag chemicals) | H for ag chem | $55–$80k |
| Food processing (Quaker, Kraft, Tyson) dedicated | None | $58–$82k |
| John Deere Waterloo dedicated auto-haul style | Specialty | $62–$88k |
| LTL linehaul | T | $78–$105k experienced |
| Tanker (ethanol, food grade) | N or X | $65–$92k |
| Ethanol production freight | N for bulk | $58–$82k |
Major Carriers Hiring in Iowa
- Iowa-based carriers: CRST International (HQ Cedar Rapids) — one of the largest truckload carriers. Heartland Express (HQ North Liberty) — historically strong solo OTR employer. Barr-Nunn Transportation (HQ Granger). Ruan Transportation (HQ Des Moines) — dedicated contract carriage specialist.
- Mega OTR: Schneider, Werner, CR England, Knight-Swift.
- LTL: Old Dominion, Saia, XPO, FedEx Freight, Estes, ABF Freight.
- Dedicated: Walmart Private Fleet, John Deere dedicated (Waterloo), Tyson Foods dedicated, Hy-Vee distribution.
- Tanker: Kenan Advantage, Groendyke, ethanol-specific haulers.
Iowa punches above its weight on trucking — CRST, Heartland, Barr-Nunn, and Ruan together make Iowa one of the most carrier-dense states in the U.S.
Pay by Route Type
- OTR: $62–$85k; I-80 east-west freight is plentiful.
- Regional (IA/IL/MO/NE/MN/WI): $68–$92k.
- Local: $50–$82k.
- Dedicated: $60–$90k; John Deere, Tyson, Hy-Vee at upper end.
FAQs
How much does a truck driver make in Iowa in 2026? Iowa state median is $60,590 per BLS OEWS May 2024, with ~28,680 drivers employed.2 State sits ~$3,150 above national median. Experienced drivers on LTL linehaul or specialty tanker push $85,000–$105,000+.
What is the highest-paying trucking job in Iowa? Senior LTL linehaul with OT, specialty tanker, or top dedicated accounts at John Deere Waterloo and Tyson Foods. $85,000–$100,000+ achievable.
Is CRST or Heartland Express a good employer? Both are major Iowa-HQ truckload carriers with substantial hiring volume. CRST is notable for its team-driving program for new CDL-A drivers (see Team driving guide). Heartland Express is historically a strong solo OTR employer. Specific pay bands vary by program; verify in writing.
How does Iowa compare to Nebraska? Nebraska median ($56,230) is below Iowa's ($60,590). Both have agricultural bulk freight + I-80 access. Iowa has more carrier HQ concentration (CRST, Heartland, Barr-Nunn, Ruan) vs Nebraska's Werner + Crete.
What are the largest carriers hiring in Iowa in 2026? CRST International, Heartland Express, Barr-Nunn, Ruan Transportation, Schneider, Werner, Old Dominion, Saia, Walmart Private Fleet, Tyson Foods dedicated, John Deere dedicated.
Sources
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BLS OEWS 53-3032 National. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes533032.htm ↩
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BLS OEWS Iowa State. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ia.htm ↩↩↩↩
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BEA Regional Price Parities. https://www.bea.gov/data/prices-inflation/regional-price-parities-state-and-metro-area ↩
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BLS OEWS MSAs. Des Moines: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_19780.htm · Cedar Rapids: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_16300.htm · Quad Cities: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_19340.htm · All IA: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oessrcma.htm ↩↩↩
