Boise, Idaho — The latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows Boise’s median truck driver salary at $60,330, with the 90th percentile earning $92,930, the highest 90th‑percentile figure among Idaho’s major markets.

Truck driving is one of the most stable professions in Idaho, yet pay can differ sharply from one city to another. The state’s overall median wage of $58,770 per year sits almost level with the national median of $58,640, but drivers in Boise, Coeur d’Alene and Idaho Falls enjoy higher mid‑range salaries while rural areas lag behind. These variations matter because they influence where drivers choose to live, which routes they pursue and how companies structure their fleets.

Boise’s employment base is the largest in the state, with 6,380 heavy‑truck and tractor‑trailer positions reported in the May 2025 BLS estimates. Coeur d’Alene’s median wage tops Boise’s at $60,370, and its 90th‑percentile earnings reach $74,220. Idaho Falls offers a median of $59,010, with a 90th‑percentile of $76,990. Rural markets such as northwest Idaho and southeast‑central Idaho show medians of $57,870 and $53,940 respectively, underscoring a clear regional divide. These figures reflect not only geographic pay differences but also route type, required endorsements and time away from home.

What This Means for Drivers

For CDL‑A holders eyeing OTR truck driver positions, Boise presents the most lucrative upper‑end pay, with the 90th‑percentile wage approaching $93,000. Owner‑operators based in Coeur d’Alene can command a higher median rate, and the city’s tight labor market may allow for better contract terms. Drivers in Idaho Falls and rural counties will find that their pay falls below the state median, making it essential to negotiate for additional endorsements or longer routes to boost earnings. Fleet managers should consider these regional wage gaps when assigning routes, as drivers in high‑pay markets may be more willing to accept longer hauls or overnight trips.

Industry Reaction

Trucking companies hiring across Idaho have noted that the state’s median wage aligns closely with national averages, but the pronounced regional spread requires localized recruitment strategies. Many carriers are now offering incentive packages in Boise and Coeur d’Alene to attract experienced CDL‑A drivers, while rural operators focus on cost‑effective routes and flexible schedules. The FMCSA regulations continue to set the baseline for safety and compliance, but they do not address the wage disparities that arise from market demand and geographic factors.

Key Points

• Boise’s median truck driver wage is $60,330, with a 90th‑percentile of $92,930.
• Coeur d’Alene’s median wage exceeds Boise’s at $60,370, and its 90th‑percentile is $74,220.
• Idaho Falls offers a median of $59,010 and a 90th‑percentile of $76,990.
• Rural markets show medians ranging from $53,940 to $57,870, below the state average.

Looking for a better trucking job? US Trucker's free job‑matching service connects CDL‑A drivers, OTR truck drivers, regional drivers and owner‑operators with 500+ top US carriers. Leave your details in the form on this page and a recruiter will call you within one business day. Trucking companies are hiring now.

Photo by Alex Dos Santos on Pexels