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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Freight Train Driver in Illinois is $61,452 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.
However, a Freight Train Driver's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Freight Train Driver Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $70,397 | $5,866 | $1,354 | $34 |
| Average | $61,452 | $5,121 | $1,182 | $30 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,418 | $4,535 | $1,047 | $26 |
H&H Recruiting - Bloomington, IL
4th Day Trucking - Chicago, IL
McLane Company - East Alton, IL
Tipco Transportation - Rockford, IL
A Freight Train Driver'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.
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Freight Train Drivers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
For Freight Train Driver roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 36% above the average. In contrast, Freight Train Driver positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Freight Train Driver as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $83,729 | $40.0 | 36% |
| Financial Services | $77,584 | $37.0 | 26% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $74,511 | $36.0 | 21% |
| Biotechnology | $71,438 | $34.0 | 16% |
| Energy & Utilities | $68,366 | $33.0 | 11% |
Understanding how a Freight Train Driver'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $70,397 | $5,866 | $1,354 | $34 |
| Average | $61,452 | $5,121 | $1,182 | $30 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,418 | $4,535 | $1,047 | $26 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Freight Train Driver job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Roadrunner Freight
Bolingbrook, IL
Roadrunner Freight | Bolingbrook, IL
Job Title. We are seeking a reliable and versatile team member to join our LTL service center. Essential Duties and Responsibilities. Pickup & Delivery (P&... more
11 Days Ago
J Rose Logistics
Naperville, IL
J Rose Logistics | Naperville, IL
We're hiring Class A CDL drivers for a regional dedicated position offering strong weekly pay, consistent freight, and weekly home time.Pay & CompensationA... more
9 Days Ago
Perfect Timing LLC
Chicago, IL
Perfect Timing LLC | Chicago, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Local Class A Truck Driver. We are seeking a reliable. Local Class A Truck Driver. to join our growing team. Intermodal e... more
9 Days Ago
4th Day Trucking
Rockford, IL
4th Day Trucking | Rockford, IL
Dedicated Dollar Tree Account, Solo PositionCompensation:Average Weekly:$1,600 Average Annualized:$83,200 Top Weekly:$1,953 Top Annualized:$101,556 CPM Loa... more
9 Days Ago
Suncoast Drivers
Rolling Meadows, IL
Suncoast Drivers | Rolling Meadows, IL
Job Posting. Job Information. Date Opened 02/12/2025. Job Type Full time. Industry Transportation. Work Experience 1 year relatable experience. Salary 36.3... more
8 Days Ago
Republic Services
Springfield, IL
Republic Services | Springfield, IL
Driver Trainee. A Driver Trainee will be trained by Republic Services to obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL) to then assume the responsibility of a ... more
7 Days Ago
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