How much does a CDL make in Iowa? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a CDL in Iowa is $57,326 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.

However, a CDL's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $69,925
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $51,192 to $63,921
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $45,607

Key Factors That Influence CDL Salaries

A CDL's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects CDL Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a CDL's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $42,466
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $47,466
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $55,952
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $57,606
  • Expert (over 8 years): $71,619
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Product Inspector I less than 1 year $42,466
Product Inspector II 1-2 years $47,466
CDL 2-4 years $55,952
Product Inspector IV 5-8 years $57,606
Product Quality Supervisor over 8 years $71,619

Top Paying Cities for CDL

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • West Bend: $55,863
  • Melvin: $55,700
  • Milford: $55,937

CDL Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For CDL roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 43% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, CDL positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view CDL as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a CDL

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology $68,791 $33.0 20%
Pharmaceuticals $67,644 $33.0 18%
Insurance $65,925 $32.0 15%
Healthcare $64,205 $31.0 12%
Internet $63,632 $31.0 11%

CDL Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a CDL's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$51,192
Average $57,326/year
$63,921
$4,266
Average $4,777/month
$5,327
$984
Average $1,102/week
$1,229
$25
Average $28/hour
$31
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $63,921 $5,327 $1,229 $31
Average $57,326 $4,777 $1,102 $28
25th Percentile $51,192 $4,266 $984 $25

Find Your Next CDL Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current CDL job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • Express Employment Professionals Defunct | Dubuque, IA

    CDL

    Express Employment Professionals Defunct | Dubuque, IA

    Job Full DescriptionExpress Employment Professionals is seeking a CDL-A Driver for a reputable local company. This position focuses on hauling oversized or... more

    7 Days Ago

  • HireNow Staffing | Iowa County, IA

    CDL

    HireNow Staffing | Iowa County, IA

    Job Description. Job Description. CDL-A Driver. Company. HireNow Staffing (Direct Placement Partner). HireNow Staffing is actively recruiting seasoned, hig... more

    9 Days Ago

  • Kenan Advantage Group | Storm Lake, IA

    CDL

    Kenan Advantage Group | Storm Lake, IA

    KAG Food Products is currently hiring Company Truck Drivers in your area. Join KAG today to take advantage of great pay, competitive benefits packages, sup... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Ashley Distribution Services, Ltd | Des Moines, IA

    CDL

    Ashley Distribution Services, Ltd | Des Moines, IA

    CDL-A Regional Truck Driver Jobs Offer Balance of Steady Miles on Variety of Routes. Why are so many CDL-A truck drivers making Ashley Distribution their l... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Riverside Transport, Inc. | Oskaloosa, IA

    CDL

    Riverside Transport, Inc. | Oskaloosa, IA

    Hiring CDL-A Truck DriversONE COMPANY. MANY PATHS - OTR, Dedicated & Yard opportunitiesPAY YOU CAN PLAN AROUND - Earn up to $93,600 per year GET PAID TO GE... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Riverside Transport, Inc. | Cedar Rapids, IA

    CDL

    Riverside Transport, Inc. | Cedar Rapids, IA

    Hiring CDL-A Truck DriversONE COMPANY. MANY PATHS - OTR, Dedicated & Yard opportunitiesPAY YOU CAN PLAN AROUND - Earn up to $93,600 per year GET PAID TO GE... more

    7 Days Ago

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