Updated November 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Chicago, Illinois (November 2026)
Chicago, Illinois CDL drivers earn $2,280 per week on average (median $1,900) as of November 2026. Based on 1,860 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 31% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,098. Chicago is the largest US intermodal rail hub, feeding regional truckload across I-80, I-90, and I-55. Local last-mile freight is dense across the western suburbs, with manufacturing and cold-chain loads in the greater metro.
What changed in November 2026
No major rank changes this month — the top carriers have held their positions since October 2026.
Chicago, Illinois vs Illinois: the numbers that diverge
| Chicago, Illinois | Illinois | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,280 | $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 Chicago, Illinois differs most from Illinois — 13% above statewide.
What CDL drivers are earning across Chicago, Illinois
Across active CDL postings in Chicago, 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) | $2,244 | $2,075 | 820 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,521 | $1,500 | 654 |
| Owner Operator | $7,012 | $7,000 | 386 |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
How drivers spend their time on the road in Chicago, Illinois
15% of Chicago, Illinois's active CDL postings are regional and 79% are OTR; local plus semi-local accounts for the rest (6%).
Guaranteed pay is on offer at 3% of Chicago, Illinois postings; dedicated routes at 29%; take-truck-home at 84%. Pet-friendly policies appear at 67% and riders-allowed at 64%.
Driving CDL in Chicago
Chicago is the largest US intermodal rail hub — a huge percentage of national freight passes through. Metro lanes pay well but congestion on I-80, I-90, I-294 is consistent enough to be a real income variable. Winter is severe (lake-effect snow, salt corrosion). Cost of living is moderate. Tollway transponder is essentially required.
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 Chicago, Illinois
- Best owner-operator companies in Chicago, Illinois
- CDL driver salary in Illinois
How we compile these rankings
Compensation (30%): pay percentile + sign-on bonus + guaranteed pay + settlement frequency. FMCSA safety (25%): weighted percentile across vehicle maintenance, unsafe driving, hours-of-service, driver fitness, and controlled substances. Benefits (25%): hiring-type-aware. Operational (20%): driver-application responsiveness, modulated by fleet scale. Updated November 2026.