Updated November 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Arlington Heights, Illinois (November 2026)
In Arlington Heights, Illinois as of November 2026, the typical CDL driver brings home $2,279 per week (median $1,900). Based on 1,850 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 31% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,106. Illinois anchors the US rail and truck network through Chicago, the largest intermodal hub in North America, with I-80 / I-90 / I-55 feeding a dense concentration of manufacturing, warehousing, and cold-chain freight.
What changed in November 2026
No major rank changes this month — the top carriers have held their positions since October 2026.
How Arlington Heights, Illinois compares to Illinois
| Arlington Heights, Illinois | Illinois | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,279 | $2,020 | +13% |
| Take-truck-home | 84% | 79% | +5 pt |
| OTR (long-haul) routes | 79% | 71% | +8 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
Among the figures above, average weekly pay is where Arlington Heights, Illinois differs most from Illinois — 13% above statewide.
Arlington Heights, Illinois CDL salary by hiring type
Across active CDL postings in Arlington Heights, Illinois this month, pay varies meaningfully by hiring type. The breakdown below shows the average and median weekly pay for each.
| Hiring type | Avg/wk | Median/wk | Active postings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Independent Contractor (1099) | $2,249 | $2,050 | 811 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,514 | $1,477 | 651 |
| Owner Operator | $6,983 | $7,000 | 388 |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
Lane mix and benefits across Arlington Heights, Illinois
The route mix in Arlington Heights, Illinois this month tilts OTR: 15% regional, 79% OTR, 5% local, 1% semi-local — drawn from active postings, not historical surveys.
Across Arlington Heights, Illinois CDL postings: 2% with guaranteed pay, 29% dedicated, 84% take-truck-home, 67% pet-friendly, 64% riders-allowed.
Driving CDL in Illinois
Illinois is one of the most strategically located CDL states — Chicago is the largest US intermodal rail hub, so a huge percentage of national freight passes through. The metro lanes pay well but congestion on I-80, I-90, and I-294 is consistent enough to be a real income variable. Outside the Chicago metro, downstate Illinois looks much more like Iowa or Indiana — agricultural freight, less density, easier driving. State income tax is moderate. The winter operational profile is severe: lake-effect snow, road salt, and the freezing-thawing cycle eat equipment faster than most southern states.
Related guides
- Best trucking companies in Arlington Heights, Illinois
- Best owner-operator companies in Arlington Heights, Illinois
- CDL driver salary in Illinois
Where this data comes from
The composite score is 30% compensation, 25% FMCSA safety, 25% benefits, and 20% operational performance. Pay percentiles are computed against carriers currently hiring in each market; FMCSA percentiles come from SAFER and weight unsafe-driving and hours-of-service violations 2× heavier than the other three dimensions. Updated November 2026.