BLS OEWS 2024 — SOC 53-3032: Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
National mean: $58,240/year · Illinois: $60,650/year · Difference: +$2,410/year
| Metric | Illinois | National |
|---|---|---|
| Mean Annual Wage | $60,650 | $58,240 |
| Mean Hourly Wage | $29.16 | $28.00 |
| Median Annual Wage | $59,790 | $57,440 |
| Median Hourly Wage | $28.75 | $27.62 |
| Drivers Employed | 77.5K | 2,070K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024 — SOC 53-3032: Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers.
The average (mean) truck driver salary in Illinois is $60,650 per year ($29.16/hr) according to BLS OEWS 2024 data (SOC 53-3032). The median is $59,790/year. Approximately 77.5 thousand drivers work in this category in Illinois.
Illinois ranks #15 out of 50 states. The national mean is $58,240/year; Illinois is $2,410 higher (+4.1%).
Pay depends on freight volume, proximity to major distribution hubs and ports, cost of living, employer type (private fleet vs. for-hire), experience, CDL endorsements, and route type (OTR vs. regional vs. local). Specialized freight — hazmat, reefer, flatbed, oversized — typically pays a premium over dry van rates in any state.