Trades & Labor Louisville, KY Pop. 633,045

Truck Driver Salary in Louisville, Kentucky

The median truck driver salary in Louisville, KY is $45,926 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 5.7% above the Kentucky state average.

City Median
$45,926
vs State Avg
+$2,496
vs National
$-3,994
Cost of Living
92%

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

Louisville offers a median truck driver salary of $45,926, which is $2,496 above the Kentucky state average of $43,430. Compared to the national median of $49,920, Louisville pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Louisville's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for truck drivers in Louisville spans from $30,544 at the 10th percentile to $71,760 at the 90th percentile — a $41,216 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,200, while senior truck drivers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $66,240. As a major metro area with a population of 633,045, Louisville typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Truck Driver Salary in Louisville by Experience

In Louisville, an entry-level truck driver earns around $32,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $66,240 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,200
$-2,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$46,000
$-4,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$66,240
$-5,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Louisville, KY

Percentile Louisville
10th Percentile $30,544
25th Percentile $36,984
Median (50th) $45,926
75th Percentile $58,696
90th Percentile $71,760

Truck Driver Salary in Other Kentucky Cities

Lexington, KY
$46,426
Pop. 322,570
Covington, KY
$43,930
Pop. 40,961
Bowling Green, KY
$41,933
Pop. 74,735
Owensboro, KY
$40,934
Pop. 60,183

How to Become a Truck Driver in Louisville

Education

Most truck driver positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Louisville and the surrounding Kentucky 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 Louisville may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Truck Driver Jobs in Louisville

Browse open truck driver positions in Louisville, KY:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Truck Driver Salary in Louisville

How much does a Truck Driver make in Louisville, KY? ▼
The median truck driver salary in Louisville, Kentucky is $45,926 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $49,920. Salaries range from $30,544 (10th percentile) to $71,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Truck Driver make per hour in Louisville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,926, a truck driver in Louisville earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Louisville compare to the Kentucky state average for truck driver pay? ▼
Louisville's median truck driver salary of $45,926 is 5.7% above the Kentucky state average of $43,430. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Louisville, KY? ▼
Louisville has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a truck driver salary of $45,926 in Louisville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a truck driver in Louisville? ▼
Most truck driver positions in Louisville 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.