Truck Driver Career Guide in Illinois
Explore truck driver salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Illinois.
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How to Become a Truck Driver in Illinois
Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers typically complete a commercial driving program or employer-sponsored training before obtaining the CDL class and endorsements required for the vehicle and cargo. Training commonly covers vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control, shifting, backing, coupling and uncoupling, defensive driving, hours-of-service rules, cargo securement, trip planning, electronic logging devices, and roadside safety.
Drivers subject to the federal Entry-Level Driver Training rule must complete training with a provider listed in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry before taking the applicable CDL skills or endorsement test. Drivers must also meet state testing, medical self-certification, driving-record, and employer requirements.
Most Truck Drivers in Illinois complete CDL training programs at truck driving schools, community colleges, or employer-sponsored training programs. Training includes vehicle inspection, commercial driving skills, cargo handling, defensive driving, federal safety regulations, logbook requirements, and preparation for CDL Class A licensing.
Note: Training pathways vary by employer, program sponsor, and licensing category. Classroom education may provide useful technical preparation, but it does not automatically replace supervised work experience unless the applicable licensing authority specifically allows that credit.
Truck Driver Salary in Illinois
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Illinois median wage for truck driver workers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data. A median wage is the point at which half of workers earn more and half earn less. It is not a guaranteed starting salary.
Actual earnings may vary by experience, license level, metropolitan area, employer, industry, overtime, and union agreement.
Compared with the national median of $57,440, the median wage in Illinois is approximately $2,350 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Truck Drivers in Illinois
Note: Licensing rules, fees, examinations, exemptions, and renewal requirements may change. Applicants should verify current requirements directly with the authority listed above before beginning work, applying for an examination, or enrolling in a training program.
CAREER PREPARATIONTruck Driver Training Requirements in Illinois
Illinois applicants generally must obtain a Commercial Learner Permit, hold it for the required period, complete Entry-Level Driver Training when applicable, and pass the relevant knowledge, pre-trip inspection, basic control, and road tests. Testing must be completed in a vehicle representative of the requested CDL class.
Applicants must self-certify their type of commercial operation and meet applicable medical requirements. Illinois generally permits intrastate CDL operation beginning at age 18, while interstate operation and certain passenger transportation require the driver to be at least 21.
CDL Class A Training
Drivers learn commercial vehicle operation, tractor-trailer control, road safety, and preparation for the Illinois CDL Class A examination.
Vehicle Inspection & Maintenance
Training covers pre-trip inspections, basic vehicle maintenance, brake systems, tires, and safety checks required by federal regulations.
Defensive Driving & Safety
Programs teach accident prevention, hazard awareness, weather driving techniques, and FMCSA safety requirements.
Cargo Handling & Transportation
Drivers learn cargo securement, weight distribution, loading procedures, and transportation documentation.
Electronic Logging Devices (ELD)
Training includes hours-of-service regulations, electronic logging systems, and compliance with federal trucking rules.
Truck Driver Training Providers in Illinois
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Joliet Junior College CDL Program | Joliet | View Program |
| College of DuPage Truck Driver Training | Glen Ellyn | View Program |
| Lincoln Land Community College CDL Program | Springfield | View Program |
| Midwest Truck Driving School | Springfield | View Program |
| Star Truck Driving School | Chicago | View Program |
Note: Program availability, admission requirements, tuition, and credit toward licensing requirements may change. Verify current details directly with the provider and the applicable state licensing authority before enrolling. Listings are informational and do not constitute rankings or endorsements.
PAID TRAINING OPPORTUNITIESTruck Driver Apprenticeship Programs in Illinois
Registered Apprenticeship Truck Driver Programs
Organization: Illinois Department of Employment Security
Heavy Highway Transportation Apprenticeship
Organization: Illinois Construction Industry
Truck Driver Licensing Requirements in Illinois
Illinois requires commercial truck drivers to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) issued by the Illinois Secretary of State. Drivers operating large commercial vehicles must meet federal CDL requirements, including knowledge testing, skills testing, medical certification, and compliance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations.
Illinois requires drivers operating qualifying commercial motor vehicles to hold the appropriate Commercial Driver License. Class A covers qualifying combination vehicles, while Class B applies to qualifying heavy single vehicles. Endorsements and restrictions depend on the vehicle, braking system, passengers, and cargo being transported.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSTruck Driver Job Outlook in Illinois
Illinois has strong demand for Truck Drivers due to its central location in the U.S. transportation network, major freight corridors, manufacturing industries, warehouses, and Chicago’s position as one of the largest logistics hubs in North America. Demand remains steady for long-haul, regional, and local delivery drivers.
Illinois projects employment of heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers to grow by approximately 4% from 2022 to 2032, from about 79,580 to 82,780 jobs. The state projects approximately 8,460 openings per year.
Annual openings include both employment growth and replacement needs. Freight movement, warehousing, manufacturing, agricultural shipments, construction, and regional distribution activity may influence demand.
Note: State employment projections may use a different base period from national BLS projections. Projected growth is an estimate rather than a guarantee of employment, and local demand may vary by metropolitan area, industry, construction activity, and employer investment.
CAREER QUESTIONSFrequently Asked Questions
What is the truck driver salary in Illinois?
The statewide median wage for truck drivers in Illinois is approximately $59,790 per year, or $28.75 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Illinois require truck driver licensing?
Yes. Illinois requires individuals performing regulated, non-exempt truck driver work to hold the appropriate license or credential. Applicants should verify the current license category, experience, examination, and renewal requirements with Illinois Secretary of State.
How long does it take to become a truck driver in Illinois?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately 3–6 Months + OJT, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.
Are truck drivers in demand in Illinois?
Illinois projects truck driver employment to grow by approximately 4% from 2022 to 2032, with about 8,460 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
Career Data Sources
State wage, employment outlook, and licensing information is reviewed using government and official regulatory sources. Data and requirements may change after publication.
- May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
- Illinois Wages for Truck Driver (SOC 53-3032) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Illinois Truck Driver Wages
- Illinois Truck Driver Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Illinois Truck Driver Employment Trends
- Illinois Secretary of State — Licensing authority. Illinois Secretary of State