Trades & Labor Tuscaloosa, AL Pop. 101,129

Truck Driver Salary in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

The median truck driver salary in Tuscaloosa, AL is $43,930 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.2% above the Alabama state average.

City Median
$43,930
vs State Avg
+$500
vs National
$-5,990
Cost of Living
88%

Truck Driver Pay in Tuscaloosa: What to Expect (2026)

Tuscaloosa offers a median truck driver salary of $43,930, which is $500 above the Alabama state average of $43,430. Compared to the national median of $49,920, Tuscaloosa pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Tuscaloosa's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $43,930 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $49,920 in an average-cost city. This makes Tuscaloosa an attractive option for truck drivers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for truck drivers in Tuscaloosa spans from $29,216 at the 10th percentile to $68,640 at the 90th percentile — a $39,424 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,800, while senior truck drivers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $63,360. With a population of 101,129, Tuscaloosa is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Truck Driver Salary in Tuscaloosa by Experience

In Tuscaloosa, an entry-level truck driver earns around $30,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $63,360 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,800
$-4,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$44,000
$-6,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$63,360
$-8,640 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tuscaloosa, AL

Percentile Tuscaloosa
10th Percentile $29,216
25th Percentile $35,376
Median (50th) $43,930
75th Percentile $56,144
90th Percentile $68,640

Truck Driver Salary in Other Alabama Cities

Huntsville, AL
$45,926
Pop. 216,963
Birmingham, AL
$44,928
Pop. 197,575
Montgomery, AL
$42,931
Pop. 200,603
Mobile, AL
$42,432
Pop. 187,041

How to Become a Truck Driver in Tuscaloosa

Education

Most truck driver positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Tuscaloosa and the surrounding Alabama area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

CDL LicenseRoute PlanningVehicle InspectionDOT RegulationsTime ManagementDefensive Driving

Job Outlook

Nationally, truck driver employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Tuscaloosa may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Truck Driver Jobs in Tuscaloosa

Browse open truck driver positions in Tuscaloosa, AL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Truck Driver Salary in Tuscaloosa

How much does a Truck Driver make in Tuscaloosa, AL? ▼
The median truck driver salary in Tuscaloosa, Alabama is $43,930 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $49,920. Salaries range from $29,216 (10th percentile) to $68,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Truck Driver make per hour in Tuscaloosa? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $43,930, a truck driver in Tuscaloosa earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tuscaloosa compare to the Alabama state average for truck driver pay? ▼
Tuscaloosa's median truck driver salary of $43,930 is 1.2% above the Alabama state average of $43,430. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tuscaloosa, AL? ▼
Tuscaloosa has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a truck driver salary of $43,930 in Tuscaloosa has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a truck driver in Tuscaloosa? ▼
Most truck driver positions in Tuscaloosa require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include CDL License, Route Planning, Vehicle Inspection, DOT Regulations. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.