Trades & Labor Owensboro, KY Pop. 60,183

Truck Driver Salary in Owensboro, Kentucky

The median truck driver salary in Owensboro, KY is $40,934 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 5.7% below the Kentucky state average.

City Median
$40,934
vs State Avg
$-2,496
vs National
$-8,986
Cost of Living
82%

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

Owensboro offers a median truck driver salary of $40,934, which is $2,496 below the Kentucky state average of $43,430. Compared to the national median of $49,920, Owensboro pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Owensboro's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $40,934 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $49,920 in an average-cost city. This makes Owensboro an attractive option for truck drivers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for truck drivers in Owensboro spans from $27,224 at the 10th percentile to $63,960 at the 90th percentile — a $36,736 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,700, while senior truck drivers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $59,040. Owensboro is a smaller market (pop. 60,183), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Truck Driver Salary in Owensboro by Experience

In Owensboro, an entry-level truck driver earns around $28,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $59,040 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,700
$-6,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$41,000
$-9,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$59,040
$-12,960 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Owensboro, KY

Percentile Owensboro
10th Percentile $27,224
25th Percentile $32,964
Median (50th) $40,934
75th Percentile $52,316
90th Percentile $63,960

Truck Driver Salary in Other Kentucky Cities

Lexington, KY
$46,426
Pop. 322,570
Louisville, KY
$45,926
Pop. 633,045
Covington, KY
$43,930
Pop. 40,961
Bowling Green, KY
$41,933
Pop. 74,735

How to Become a Truck Driver in Owensboro

Education

Most truck driver positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Owensboro 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 Owensboro may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Truck Driver Jobs in Owensboro

Browse open truck driver positions in Owensboro, KY:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Truck Driver Salary in Owensboro

How much does a Truck Driver make in Owensboro, KY? ▼
The median truck driver salary in Owensboro, Kentucky is $40,934 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $49,920. Salaries range from $27,224 (10th percentile) to $63,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Truck Driver make per hour in Owensboro? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $40,934, a truck driver in Owensboro earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Owensboro compare to the Kentucky state average for truck driver pay? ▼
Owensboro's median truck driver salary of $40,934 is 5.7% below the Kentucky state average of $43,430. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Owensboro, KY? ▼
Owensboro has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a truck driver salary of $40,934 in Owensboro has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a truck driver in Owensboro? ▼
Most truck driver positions in Owensboro 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.