Truck Driver Salary in Des Moines, Iowa
The median truck driver salary in Des Moines, IA is $45,926 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 3.4% above the Iowa state average.
Truck Driver Pay in Des Moines: What to Expect (2026)
Des Moines offers a median truck driver salary of $45,926, which is $1,497 above the Iowa state average of $44,429. Compared to the national median of $49,920, Des Moines pays below the national benchmark for this role.
Des Moines's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.
The salary range for truck drivers in Des Moines spans from $30,544 at the 10th percentile to $71,760 at the 90th percentile — a $41,216 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,200, while senior truck drivers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $66,240. With a population of 214,133, Des Moines is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Truck Driver Salary in Des Moines by Experience
In Des Moines, an entry-level truck driver earns around $32,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $66,240 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Des Moines, IA
| Percentile | Des Moines |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $30,544 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,984 |
| Median (50th) | $45,926 |
| 75th Percentile | $58,696 |
| 90th Percentile | $71,760 |
Truck Driver Salary in Other Iowa Cities
How to Become a Truck Driver in Des Moines
Education
Most truck driver positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, truck driver employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Des Moines may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Truck Driver Jobs in Des Moines
Browse open truck driver positions in Des Moines, IA: