Trades & Labor Lafayette, LA Pop. 121,374

Truck Driver Salary in Lafayette, Louisiana

The median truck driver salary in Lafayette, LA is $46,426 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 3.1% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$46,426
vs State Avg
$-1,497
vs National
$-3,494
Cost of Living
88%

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

Lafayette offers a median truck driver salary of $46,426, which is $1,497 below the Louisiana state average of $47,923. Compared to the national median of $49,920, Lafayette pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Lafayette's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $46,426 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $52,757 in an average-cost city. This makes Lafayette an attractive option for truck drivers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for truck drivers in Lafayette spans from $30,876 at the 10th percentile to $72,540 at the 90th percentile — a $41,664 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,550, while senior truck drivers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $66,960. With a population of 121,374, Lafayette is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Truck Driver Salary in Lafayette by Experience

In Lafayette, an entry-level truck driver earns around $32,550, while experienced professionals earn up to $66,960 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,550
$-2,450 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$46,500
$-3,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$66,960
$-5,040 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lafayette, LA

Percentile Lafayette
10th Percentile $30,876
25th Percentile $37,386
Median (50th) $46,426
75th Percentile $59,334
90th Percentile $72,540

Truck Driver Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$51,418
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$48,422
Pop. 227,470
Lake Charles, LA
$45,427
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$44,928
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Truck Driver in Lafayette

Education

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

Find Truck Driver Jobs in Lafayette

Browse open truck driver positions in Lafayette, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Truck Driver Salary in Lafayette

How much does a Truck Driver make in Lafayette, LA? ▼
The median truck driver salary in Lafayette, Louisiana is $46,426 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $49,920. Salaries range from $30,876 (10th percentile) to $72,540 (90th percentile).
How much does a Truck Driver make per hour in Lafayette? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $46,426, a truck driver in Lafayette earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lafayette compare to the Louisiana state average for truck driver pay? ▼
Lafayette's median truck driver salary of $46,426 is 3.1% below the Louisiana state average of $47,923. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lafayette, LA? ▼
Lafayette has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a truck driver salary of $46,426 in Lafayette has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a truck driver in Lafayette? ▼
Most truck driver positions in Lafayette 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.