Updated May 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Dubuque, Iowa (May 2026)
Through May 2026, Dubuque, Iowa CDL drivers earn $2,600 per week on average. The median is $2,000; the distribution by hiring type and the active-posting count both follow. Based on 1,494 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 31% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,080. Iowa freight is shaped by its agricultural output — corn, soybeans, and ethanol — moving on I-80 east-west and I-35 north-south, with Des Moines serving as the primary distribution crossroads.
What changed in May 2026
We just started tracking monthly changes for this view. Check back next month to see how rankings have shifted.
Dubuque, Iowa vs Iowa: the numbers that diverge
| Dubuque, Iowa | Iowa | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,600 | $2,284 | +14% |
| OTR (long-haul) routes | 89% | 81% | +8 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, May 2026
Dubuque, Iowa's biggest divergence from Iowa is on average weekly pay, 14% above the state baseline.
What CDL drivers are earning across Dubuque, Iowa
Across active CDL postings in Dubuque, Iowa 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) | $2,236 | $2,042 | 664 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,568 | $1,542 | 478 |
| Owner Operator | $7,112 | $7,125 | 352 |
Source: Lanefinder index, May 2026
Lane mix and benefits across Dubuque, Iowa
Of active CDL postings in Dubuque, Iowa this month, 10% are regional and 89% are OTR (long-haul). Local and semi-local routes account for the remaining 1%.
Guaranteed pay is on offer at 1% of Dubuque, Iowa postings; dedicated routes at 26%; take-truck-home at 89%. Pet-friendly policies appear at 72% and riders-allowed at 70%.
Driving CDL in Iowa
Iowa freight is shaped by the state's agricultural output — corn, soybeans, ethanol, pork — moving on the I-80 east-west and I-35 north-south corridors. Des Moines serves as the primary distribution crossroads. Cedar Rapids and Davenport (Quad Cities) add manufacturing and food-processing freight. Iowa runs a moderate graduated state income tax; living costs are among the lowest in the Midwest. Winter is severe — wind off the prairie plus drifting snow plus black ice on I-80 makes route timing genuinely consequential from December through March.
Related guides
- Best trucking companies in Dubuque, Iowa
- Best owner-operator companies in Dubuque, Iowa
- CDL driver salary in Iowa
How we compile these rankings
Pay carriers in the same market against each other (30% of the score). Add a five-dimension FMCSA safety percentile from SAFER (25%). Score benefits based on whether the carrier hires W2 drivers or contractors (25%). Layer on employer responsiveness and fleet scale (20%). The weights are fixed and public. Updated May 2026.