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Average Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, earn an impressive average annual salary of $61,030. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $58,380, indicating a favorable compensation landscape in the region. Local economic factors and demand dynamics likely contribute to this elevated pay scale for truck drivers.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $61,030 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.6% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $78,690.
  • Outlook: The Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, job market for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers is robust, with a substantial local workforce of 8,580 individuals. The location quotient of 1.58 signifies a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting strong and consistent demand within the area.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$61,030

The average Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earns+4.5%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$29.3

Weekly

$1,174

Monthly

$5,086

Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary Distribution in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

Salary progression for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with extensive driving records and specialized endorsements can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles highlights the value placed on experience and reliability in this field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$42,290$20.3
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$45,773$22
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$58,880$28.3
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$76,288$36.7
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$78,690$37.8

Detailed Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$61,030

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$61,030

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $61,030 in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a truck driver's salary in this region is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial environment for residents.

Job Market Context

8,580

Total Jobs

21.175

Per 1K Jobs

1.58

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has 1.6x the national concentration of Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

With a location quotient of 1.58, Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, demonstrates a significantly higher concentration of Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver positions than the national average. This suggests a competitive yet abundant job market, where demand for skilled drivers is notably strong, potentially leading to more opportunities and favorable negotiation power for qualified candidates.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driverss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?

The median annual salary for a Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $61,030. This typically ranges from $42,290 for entry-level positions to $78,690 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 4.5% higher than the national median of $58,380.

Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a lucrative place for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers?

Yes, Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA offers a lucrative environment for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers.The average salary of $61,030 exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national index, providing strong purchasing power.

Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place to live for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers?

The Cost of Living Index in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($54,300) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.

How does the Des Moines-West Des Moines truck driver salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $61,030, which is higher than the national average of $58,380.

What is the concentration of truck drivers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?

The location quotient of 1.58 indicates that Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has a significantly higher concentration of Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers compared to the national average.

How does the cost of living affect the truck driver salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?

The cost of living in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is at the national average (100), meaning the $61,030 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.

What is the total number of Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?

There are approximately 8,580 Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers employed in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metropolitan area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 8,580 employees in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area with a job density of 21.175 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.