Trades & Labor Arkansas (AR) Rank #49 of 50

Truck Driver Salary in Arkansas

The median truck driver salary in Arkansas is $41,933 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $49,920.

Median Salary
$41,933
vs National
$-7,987
State Rank
#49 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

Truck Driver Salary Overview in Arkansas (2026)

Arkansas ranks #49 out of 50 states for truck driver compensation. Truck Driver salaries in Arkansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $41,933 per year, truck drivers in Arkansas earn $7,987 less than the national median of $49,920.

A key advantage of working in Arkansas is its below-average cost of living (84% of the national index). This means the $41,933 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $49,920 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Arkansas is significant: truck drivers at the 10th percentile earn $27,888, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $65,520 — a $37,632 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Arkansas for this role is Fayetteville, where the median reaches $43,930.

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 Arkansas by Experience

In Arkansas, an entry-level truck driver earns around $29,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $60,480 per year. The cost of living index in Arkansas is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,400
$-5,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$42,000
$-8,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$60,480
$-11,520 vs national

Save More on Student Loans

Earning $41,933? 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 Arkansas

Percentile AR Salary
10th Percentile $27,888
25th Percentile $33,768
Median (50th) $41,933
75th Percentile $53,592
90th Percentile $65,520

Truck Driver Salary by City in Arkansas

The largest employment areas for truck drivers in Arkansas include Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, and Springdale. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Truck Driver in Arkansas

Education

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

Key Skills

CDL LicenseRoute PlanningVehicle InspectionDOT RegulationsTime ManagementDefensive Driving

Job Outlook in Arkansas

Nationally, truck driver employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Arkansas'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 Arkansas?

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

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Truck Driver Salary in Arkansas

How much does a Truck Driver make in Arkansas? ▼
The median truck driver salary in Arkansas is $41,933 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $49,920. Salaries range from $27,888 (10th percentile) to $65,520 (90th percentile).
How much does a Truck Driver make per hour in Arkansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $41,933, a truck driver in Arkansas earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arkansas a good state for truck drivers? ▼
Arkansas ranks #49 out of 50 states for truck driver pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level truck drivers earn $29,400, while senior professionals earn $60,480.
How does Arkansas compare to other states for truck driver salary? ▼
The highest paying state for truck drivers is Hawaii at $88,858. Arkansas's median of $41,933 ranks #49 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kentucky ($43,430) and West Virginia ($42,931).
What is the entry-level truck driver salary in Arkansas? ▼
An entry-level truck driver in Arkansas earns approximately $29,400 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $42,000. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $60,480.
What city in Arkansas pays truck drivers the most? ▼
Fayetteville is the highest paying city in Arkansas for truck drivers, with a median salary of $43,930. Other cities include Little Rock and Fort Smith.