Truck Driver Salary in Waterloo
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Waterloo, Iowa. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$57,667
CDL-B Avg
$42,720
Non-CDL Avg
$44,832
Owner-Op Gross
$182,400
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Waterloo truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Waterloo
Waterloo's cost of living is 13% below the national average. Your trucking salary stretches further here than in most cities.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$57,667
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$66,284
After adjusting for Waterloo's cost of living index of 87, a CDL-A salary of $57,667 provides the same purchasing power as $66,284 in an average-cost area. Your money goes further in Waterloo than the raw salary suggests.
Waterloo vs Iowa vs National Average
| Metric | Waterloo | IA Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $57,667 | $60,070 | $58,710 |
| vs State | $-2,403 | ||
| vs National | $-1,043 | ||
| Cost of Living | 87 | 89 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $66,284 | $67,494 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Waterloo
Trucking pay in Waterloo has remained steady, supported by consistent freight demand from agricultural equipment (john deere) and meatpacking (tyson). The Iowa market offers reliable work with predictable earnings for CDL drivers.
Which carriers run freight through Waterloo?
These are large carriers with a real presence in the region. We do not publish what any of them pays in Waterloo — that is a number only the carrier and the driver know, and it moves with the account, the lane and your record.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 Waterloo
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Waterloo market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Waterloo
Browse CDL driver positions in Waterloo, IA from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Waterloo
What is the average truck driver salary in Waterloo, IA?
CDL-A truck drivers in Waterloo, Iowa earn an average of $57,667 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Waterloo market is influenced by agricultural equipment (john deere) and meatpacking (tyson) freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Waterloo?
Owner-operators based in Waterloo gross approximately $182,400 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $69,312 to $87,552. The Waterloo area's cost of living index of 87 is below the national average by 13%.
Is Waterloo a good city for trucking jobs?
Waterloo offers strong trucking employment thanks to its agricultural equipment (john deere) and meatpacking (tyson) sectors. The city's cost of living is below 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.