Truck Driving Jobs in Wisconsin: An Informative Guide for US Drivers
Exploring truck driving jobs in Wisconsin? The Badger State offers a robust market for CDL holders, with opportunities in local, regional, and over-the-road (OTR) roles driven by its strong manufacturing, agriculture, and logistics sectors. As your information provider, SarkariJobDoor.com provides an overview of the job landscape, key industries, salary expectations, and essential tips for US drivers seeking stable, high-paying careers—all based on current trends as of September 2025.
Overview of Wisconsin’s Truck Driving Job Market
Wisconsin’s trucking industry is thriving, with over 6,147 truck driver jobs available statewide, according to major job platforms. The state’s central location in the Midwest supports freight movement for manufacturing giants like Kohler and Mercury Marine, as well as agricultural exports. Unemployment in the sector remains low at 3-4%, with a projected 7% growth through 2030 due to ongoing demand for goods transportation. Cities like Milwaukee, Green Bay, Madison, and Eau Claire are hotspots, offering both urban and rural routes. Local jobs dominate, allowing many drivers to return home daily, while OTR positions provide higher mileage pay.
Key Types of Truck Driving Jobs
Wisconsin’s market caters to various experience levels and preferences:
- Local Truck Driving: Home-daily roles delivering groceries, construction materials, or medical supplies. Examples include Quikrete drivers in Green Bay or Walmart delivery in Madison, often with no-touch freight and guaranteed pay.
- Regional and Dedicated Routes: Positions with companies like J.B. Hunt or Schneider, running Midwest lanes (e.g., WI to OH, IL, MN) with weekly home time.
- OTR and Reefer Trucking: Long-haul jobs with Brakebush Transportation or Martin’s Milk, hauling refrigerated goods like pork or dairy across states (e.g., WI to TX, CA).
- Specialized Roles: CDL apprenticeships for heavy truck drivers, dump truck operators at construction sites (e.g., Iverson Construction), or flatbed haulers for Knight Transportation.
Entry-level apprenticeships through the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) combine paid training with on-the-job experience.
Salary and Benefits Expectations
Compensation in Wisconsin’s trucking sector is competitive, reflecting the state’s low cost of living (15-20% below national average):
- Entry-Level/Local Drivers: $24–$43/hour ($50,000–$70,000 annually), with bonuses like $5,000 sign-on for Quikrete or $2,500 for aides.
- Experienced CDL-A Drivers: $65,000–$105,000/year, including mileage pay ($0.50–$0.70/mile) and safety bonuses up to $2,200.
- OTR/Reefer Specialists: Up to $100,000+ with incentives like East Coast premiums (10¢/mile).
Benefits often include health insurance, 401(k) matching, paid training, and home time guarantees (e.g., 32 hours/week). Median pay for heavy truck drivers is $71,290 in 2025.
Requirements and Qualifications
To qualify for most roles:
- Licensing: Valid Class A CDL with endorsements (e.g., Hazmat, Tanker) required; obtain via Wisconsin DOT’s learner’s permit and skills test.
- Experience: 1-2 years preferred for OTR; clean DOT record (no major violations in 10 years).
- Other: Age 21+, medical certification, and reliable vehicle for local roles.
Apprenticeships offer entry without prior CDL, including 160 hours of behind-the-wheel training.
Tips for Landing Truck Driving Jobs in Wisconsin
- Search Strategically: Use platforms like Indeed (6,147 listings) or ZipRecruiter (797 local jobs) with filters for “CDL-A Wisconsin.”
- Target Companies: Apply to Schneider, J.B. Hunt, Brakebush, or Walmart for dedicated routes.
- Network Locally: Check the Job Center of Wisconsin for trucking-specific resources or attend CDL job fairs in Milwaukee/Green Bay.
- Prepare Your Application: Highlight safe driving records and endorsements; complete online forms for quick responses.
- Consider Training: Enroll in DWD apprenticeships for paid CDL programs if needed.
Why Truck Driving in Wisconsin?
With competitive pay, home time, and growth in reefer/agriculture routes, Wisconsin trucking jobs offer stability amid national shortages. The state’s scenic drives and low living costs enhance work-life balance for US drivers.
As your information provider, SarkariJobDoor.com hopes this guide to truck driving jobs in Wisconsin equips you to hit the road toward success. Stay safe and drive forward!
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