Truck Driver Salary in Madison
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Madison, Wisconsin. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$61,246
CDL-B Avg
$47,840
Non-CDL Avg
$50,513
Owner-Op Gross
$208,000
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Madison truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Madison
Madison'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
$61,246
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$60,640
After adjusting for Madison's cost of living index of 101, a CDL-A salary of $61,246 provides the same purchasing power as $60,640 in an average-cost area. The higher nominal salary is partially offset by higher local expenses.
Madison vs Wisconsin vs National Average
| Metric | Madison | WI Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $61,246 | $58,890 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$2,356 | ||
| vs National | +$2,536 | ||
| Cost of Living | 101 | 93 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $60,640 | $63,323 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Madison
Trucking pay in Madison has remained steady, supported by consistent freight demand from government and healthcare it (epic systems). The Wisconsin market offers reliable work with predictable earnings for CDL drivers.
Which carriers run freight through Madison?
These are large carriers with a real presence in the region. We do not publish what any of them pays in Madison — that is a number only the carrier and the driver know, and it moves with the account, the lane and your record.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 Madison
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Madison market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Madison
Browse CDL driver positions in Madison, WI from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Madison
What is the average truck driver salary in Madison, WI?
CDL-A truck drivers in Madison, Wisconsin earn an average of $61,246 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Madison market is influenced by government and healthcare it (epic systems) freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Madison?
Owner-operators based in Madison gross approximately $208,000 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $79,040 to $99,840. The Madison area's cost of living index of 101 is near the national average.
Is Madison a good city for trucking jobs?
Madison offers strong trucking employment thanks to its government and healthcare it (epic systems) sectors. The city's cost of living is near the national average, which provides a balanced ratio of earnings to expenses. CDL drivers with hazmat or tanker endorsements can earn 10-20% above the city average.