Trades & Labor Rockford, IL Pop. 148,655

Truck Driver Salary in Rockford, Illinois

The median truck driver salary in Rockford, IL is $40,934 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 13.7% below the Illinois state average.

City Median
$40,934
vs State Avg
$-6,490
vs National
$-8,986
Cost of Living
82%

Truck Driver Pay in Rockford: What to Expect (2026)

Rockford offers a median truck driver salary of $40,934, which is $6,490 below the Illinois state average of $47,424. Compared to the national median of $49,920, Rockford pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Rockford's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $40,934 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $49,920 in an average-cost city. This makes Rockford an attractive option for truck drivers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for truck drivers in Rockford spans from $27,224 at the 10th percentile to $63,960 at the 90th percentile — a $36,736 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,700, while senior truck drivers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $59,040. With a population of 148,655, Rockford is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Truck Driver Salary in Rockford by Experience

In Rockford, an entry-level truck driver earns around $28,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $59,040 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,700
$-6,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$41,000
$-9,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$59,040
$-12,960 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rockford, IL

Percentile Rockford
10th Percentile $27,224
25th Percentile $32,964
Median (50th) $40,934
75th Percentile $52,316
90th Percentile $63,960

Truck Driver Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$53,914
Pop. 149,540
Chicago, IL
$53,414
Pop. 2,693,976
Aurora, IL
$47,424
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$42,432
Pop. 114,394

How to Become a Truck Driver in Rockford

Education

Most truck driver positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Rockford and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

CDL LicenseRoute PlanningVehicle InspectionDOT RegulationsTime ManagementDefensive Driving

Job Outlook

Nationally, truck driver employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Rockford may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Truck Driver Jobs in Rockford

Browse open truck driver positions in Rockford, IL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Truck Driver Salary in Rockford

How much does a Truck Driver make in Rockford, IL? ▼
The median truck driver salary in Rockford, Illinois is $40,934 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $49,920. Salaries range from $27,224 (10th percentile) to $63,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Truck Driver make per hour in Rockford? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $40,934, a truck driver in Rockford earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rockford compare to the Illinois state average for truck driver pay? ▼
Rockford's median truck driver salary of $40,934 is 13.7% below the Illinois state average of $47,424. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rockford, IL? ▼
Rockford has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a truck driver salary of $40,934 in Rockford has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a truck driver in Rockford? ▼
Most truck driver positions in Rockford require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include CDL License, Route Planning, Vehicle Inspection, DOT Regulations. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.