Updated July 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Chicago, Illinois (July 2026)
Chicago, Illinois CDL drivers earn $2,323 per week on average (median $1,875) as of July 2026. Based on 1,794 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 31% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,080. 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 July 2026
We just started tracking monthly changes for this view. Check back next month to see how rankings have shifted.
Chicago, Illinois vs Illinois: the numbers that diverge
| Chicago, Illinois | Illinois | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,323 | $2,012 | +15% |
| Take-truck-home | 84% | 79% | +5 pt |
| Riders-allowed policies | 65% | 60% | +5 pt |
| OTR (long-haul) routes | 80% | 72% | +8 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, July 2026
Among the figures above, average weekly pay is where Chicago, Illinois differs most from Illinois — 15% 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) | $2,211 | $2,000 | 769 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,500 | $1,450 | 644 |
| Owner Operator | $7,083 | $7,000 | 381 |
Source: Lanefinder index, July 2026
How drivers spend their time on the road in Chicago, Illinois
15% of Chicago, Illinois's active CDL postings are regional and 80% are OTR; local plus semi-local accounts for the rest (5%).
Guaranteed pay is on offer at 3% of Chicago, Illinois postings; dedicated routes at 28%; take-truck-home at 84%. Pet-friendly policies appear at 68% and riders-allowed at 65%.
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 July 2026.