How realistic is it to make 75-80k a year eventually?

Again its back to the company you are working at.
Some pay very well, others not so. The better end of local is with someone like Estes or Old Dominion as examples. They do a lot of pick and deliver, plus terminal to terminal runs. Then you have dock work. Dock work can be brutal.
They can pay first year in the range your talking about. Pay rates usually go up slow, but in a few years you could be 10 to 15k more.

Getting in is the thing, and local is verry different from OTR.

 

Chicago area is great for tanker work, I'm local home every night m-f.
I have a great job with benefits and bonuses I'm on pace to hit 6 figures this year.

 

CDL A Truck Driver Local / Regional - Jet Fuel / Chemicals / Industrial Gas - Lansing, IL
***We are Growing***
Potential to EARN $83,000 UP to $100,000 With Trimac
Chemicals, Jet Fuel, and Industrial Gas Hauls in the Midwest area (IL, WI, IN, OH, MI)
Regional/Dedicated lanes (possible 1-2 over nights sometimes)
For Local runs you are home every night.

We offer the best paid training in the industry! Whether you’re a recent CDL school graduate, a former military service member or an experienced driver, Trimac Transportation has the perfect career opportunity for you!

 

Quickest way for you would be going to Schiender and learning tanker for a year and then moving on.
That 1st year you will be under paid and less than your making now, But after that thing will open up.
I hooked up with QC for my tanker training and made great money out the gate, But I had driving exp. to start.