Trades & Labor Alabama (AL) Rank #45 of 50

Truck Driver Salary in Alabama

The median truck driver salary in Alabama is $43,430 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $49,920.

Median Salary
$43,430
vs National
$-6,490
State Rank
#45 of 50
Cost of Living
87%

Truck Driver Salary Overview in Alabama (2026)

Alabama ranks #45 out of 50 states for truck driver compensation. Truck Driver salaries in Alabama are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $43,430 per year, truck drivers in Alabama earn $6,490 less than the national median of $49,920.

A key advantage of working in Alabama is its below-average cost of living (87% of the national index). This means the $43,430 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $49,920 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Alabama is significant: truck drivers at the 10th percentile earn $28,884, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $67,860 — a $38,976 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Alabama for this role is Huntsville, where the median reaches $45,926.

Nationally, truck driver employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for truck drivers across the country.

Truck Driver Salary in Alabama by Experience

In Alabama, an entry-level truck driver earns around $30,450, while experienced professionals earn up to $62,640 per year. The cost of living index in Alabama is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,450
$-4,550 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$43,500
$-6,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$62,640
$-9,360 vs national

Save More on Student Loans

Earning $43,430? You may qualify for student loan refinancing rates as low as 4.49% — potentially saving $14,000+ over the life of your loan.

Check Your Rate — No Credit Impact →

Salary Percentiles in Alabama

Percentile AL Salary
10th Percentile $28,884
25th Percentile $34,974
Median (50th) $43,430
75th Percentile $55,506
90th Percentile $67,860

Truck Driver Salary by City in Alabama

The largest employment areas for truck drivers in Alabama include Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, and Mobile. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Truck Driver in Alabama

Education

Most truck driver positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Alabama has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

CDL LicenseRoute PlanningVehicle InspectionDOT RegulationsTime ManagementDefensive Driving

Job Outlook in Alabama

Nationally, truck driver employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Alabama's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Stand Out from the Competition

85% of recruiters say a professionally written resume increases interview rates by 40%. Stand out from 2,157,700 other Truck Drivers.

Get a Professional Resume →

Open to Truck Driver Roles in Alabama?

Get matched with recruiters hiring truck drivers in Alabama at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Truck Driver Salary in Alabama

How much does a Truck Driver make in Alabama? ▼
The median truck driver salary in Alabama is $43,430 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $49,920. Salaries range from $28,884 (10th percentile) to $67,860 (90th percentile).
How much does a Truck Driver make per hour in Alabama? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $43,430, a truck driver in Alabama earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Alabama a good state for truck drivers? ▼
Alabama ranks #45 out of 50 states for truck driver pay. The cost of living index is 87% of the national average. Entry-level truck drivers earn $30,450, while senior professionals earn $62,640.
How does Alabama compare to other states for truck driver salary? ▼
The highest paying state for truck drivers is Hawaii at $88,858. Alabama's median of $43,430 ranks #45 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Missouri ($43,930) and South Dakota ($43,930).
What is the entry-level truck driver salary in Alabama? ▼
An entry-level truck driver in Alabama earns approximately $30,450 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $43,500. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $62,640.
What city in Alabama pays truck drivers the most? ▼
Huntsville is the highest paying city in Alabama for truck drivers, with a median salary of $45,926. Other cities include Birmingham and Montgomery.