Trades & Labor Louisiana (LA) Rank #24 of 50

Truck Driver Salary in Louisiana

The median truck driver salary in Louisiana is $47,923 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $49,920.

Median Salary
$47,923
vs National
$-1,997
State Rank
#24 of 50
Cost of Living
91%

Truck Driver Salary Overview in Louisiana (2026)

Louisiana ranks #24 out of 50 states for truck driver compensation. Louisiana falls in the middle of the pack for truck driver pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $47,923 per year, truck drivers in Louisiana earn $1,997 less than the national median of $49,920.

A key advantage of working in Louisiana is its below-average cost of living (91% of the national index). This means the $47,923 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $52,663 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Louisiana is significant: truck drivers at the 10th percentile earn $31,872, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $74,880 — a $43,008 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Louisiana for this role is New Orleans, where the median reaches $51,418.

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 Louisiana by Experience

In Louisiana, an entry-level truck driver earns around $33,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $69,120 per year. The cost of living index in Louisiana is 91% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,600
$-1,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$48,000
$-2,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$69,120
$-2,880 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Louisiana

Percentile LA Salary
10th Percentile $31,872
25th Percentile $38,592
Median (50th) $47,923
75th Percentile $61,248
90th Percentile $74,880

Truck Driver Salary by City in Louisiana

The largest employment areas for truck drivers in Louisiana include New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and Lafayette. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Truck Driver in Louisiana

Education

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

Key Skills

CDL LicenseRoute PlanningVehicle InspectionDOT RegulationsTime ManagementDefensive Driving

Job Outlook in Louisiana

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Truck Driver Salary in Louisiana

How much does a Truck Driver make in Louisiana? ▼
The median truck driver salary in Louisiana is $47,923 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $49,920. Salaries range from $31,872 (10th percentile) to $74,880 (90th percentile).
How much does a Truck Driver make per hour in Louisiana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $47,923, a truck driver in Louisiana earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Louisiana a good state for truck drivers? ▼
Louisiana ranks #24 out of 50 states for truck driver pay. The cost of living index is 91% of the national average. Entry-level truck drivers earn $33,600, while senior professionals earn $69,120.
How does Louisiana compare to other states for truck driver salary? ▼
The highest paying state for truck drivers is Hawaii at $88,858. Louisiana's median of $47,923 ranks #24 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Montana ($48,422) and Utah ($48,422).
What is the entry-level truck driver salary in Louisiana? ▼
An entry-level truck driver in Louisiana earns approximately $33,600 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $48,000. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $69,120.
What city in Louisiana pays truck drivers the most? ▼
New Orleans is the highest paying city in Louisiana for truck drivers, with a median salary of $51,418. Other cities include Baton Rouge and Shreveport.