Trades & Labor Wisconsin (WI) Rank #35 of 50

Truck Driver Salary in Wisconsin

The median truck driver salary in Wisconsin is $45,926 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $49,920.

Median Salary
$45,926
vs National
$-3,994
State Rank
#35 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Truck Driver Salary Overview in Wisconsin (2026)

Wisconsin ranks #35 out of 50 states for truck driver compensation. Truck Driver salaries in Wisconsin are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $45,926 per year, truck drivers in Wisconsin earn $3,994 less than the national median of $49,920.

A key advantage of working in Wisconsin is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $45,926 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $49,920 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Wisconsin is significant: truck drivers at the 10th percentile earn $30,544, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $71,760 — a $41,216 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Wisconsin for this role is Madison, where the median reaches $49,920.

Nationally, truck driver employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for truck drivers across the country.

Truck Driver Salary in Wisconsin by Experience

In Wisconsin, an entry-level truck driver earns around $32,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $66,240 per year. The cost of living index in Wisconsin is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,200
$-2,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$46,000
$-4,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$66,240
$-5,760 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Wisconsin

Percentile WI Salary
10th Percentile $30,544
25th Percentile $36,984
Median (50th) $45,926
75th Percentile $58,696
90th Percentile $71,760

Truck Driver Salary by City in Wisconsin

The largest employment areas for truck drivers in Wisconsin include Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Kenosha. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Truck Driver in Wisconsin

Education

Most truck driver positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Wisconsin has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

CDL LicenseRoute PlanningVehicle InspectionDOT RegulationsTime ManagementDefensive Driving

Job Outlook in Wisconsin

Nationally, truck driver employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Wisconsin's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Truck Driver Salary in Wisconsin

How much does a Truck Driver make in Wisconsin? ▼
The median truck driver salary in Wisconsin is $45,926 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $49,920. Salaries range from $30,544 (10th percentile) to $71,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Truck Driver make per hour in Wisconsin? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,926, a truck driver in Wisconsin earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Wisconsin a good state for truck drivers? ▼
Wisconsin ranks #35 out of 50 states for truck driver pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level truck drivers earn $32,200, while senior professionals earn $66,240.
How does Wisconsin compare to other states for truck driver salary? ▼
The highest paying state for truck drivers is Hawaii at $88,858. Wisconsin's median of $45,926 ranks #35 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Indiana ($45,926) and North Carolina ($45,926).
What is the entry-level truck driver salary in Wisconsin? ▼
An entry-level truck driver in Wisconsin earns approximately $32,200 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $46,000. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $66,240.
What city in Wisconsin pays truck drivers the most? ▼
Madison is the highest paying city in Wisconsin for truck drivers, with a median salary of $49,920. Other cities include Milwaukee and Green Bay.