Truck Driver Salary in Rockford
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Rockford, Illinois. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$62,430
CDL-B Avg
$52,400
Non-CDL Avg
$53,300
Owner-Op Gross
$250,000
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Rockford truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Rockford
Rockford's cost of living is near the national average, offering a balanced ratio of salary to expenses for truck drivers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$62,430
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$65,031
After adjusting for Rockford's cost of living index of 96, a CDL-A salary of $62,430 provides the same purchasing power as $65,031 in an average-cost area. Your money goes further in Rockford than the raw salary suggests.
Rockford vs Illinois vs National Average
| Metric | Rockford | IL Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $62,430 | $62,430 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$0 | ||
| vs National | +$3,720 | ||
| Cost of Living | 96 | 96 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $65,031 | $65,031 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Rockford
Trucking pay in Rockford has remained steady, supported by consistent freight demand from aerospace manufacturing and air cargo. The Illinois market offers reliable work with predictable earnings for CDL drivers.
Which carriers run freight through Rockford?
These are large carriers with a real presence in the region. We do not publish what any of them pays in Rockford — that is a number only the carrier and the driver know, and it moves with the account, the lane and your record. Ask for it in cents per mile alongside the expected weekly miles.
- Schneider National
- J.B. Hunt
- TMC Transportation
- Crete Carrier
Read our carrier profiles for pay structure, home time and equipment on each one.
Industries Driving Trucking Demand in Rockford
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Rockford market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Rockford
Browse CDL driver positions in Rockford, IL from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Rockford
What is the average truck driver salary in Rockford, IL?
CDL-A truck drivers in Rockford, Illinois earn an average of $62,430 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Rockford market is influenced by aerospace manufacturing and air cargo freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Rockford?
Owner-operators based in Rockford gross approximately $250,000 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $95,000 to $120,000. The Rockford area's cost of living index of 96 is near the national average.
Is Rockford a good city for trucking jobs?
Rockford offers strong trucking employment thanks to its aerospace manufacturing and air cargo sectors. The city's cost of living is near the national average, which means your paycheck goes further here than in many metros. CDL drivers with hazmat or tanker endorsements can earn 10-20% above the city average.