Trades & Labor New Orleans, LA Pop. 383,997

Truck Driver Salary in New Orleans, Louisiana

The median truck driver salary in New Orleans, LA is $51,418 per year, which is 3.0% above the national median and 7.3% above the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$51,418
vs State Avg
+$3,495
vs National
+$1,498
Cost of Living
98%

Truck Driver Pay in New Orleans: What to Expect (2026)

New Orleans offers a median truck driver salary of $51,418, which is $3,495 above the Louisiana state average of $47,923. Compared to the national median of $49,920, New Orleans pays above average for this role.

New Orleans's cost of living is 98% 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 New Orleans spans from $34,196 at the 10th percentile to $80,340 at the 90th percentile — a $46,144 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,050, while senior truck drivers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $74,160. With a population of 383,997, New Orleans is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Truck Driver Salary in New Orleans by Experience

In New Orleans, an entry-level truck driver earns around $36,050, while experienced professionals earn up to $74,160 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,050
+$1,050 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,500
+$1,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$74,160
+$2,160 vs national

Salary Percentiles in New Orleans, LA

Percentile New Orleans
10th Percentile $34,196
25th Percentile $41,406
Median (50th) $51,418
75th Percentile $65,714
90th Percentile $80,340

Truck Driver Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

Baton Rouge, LA
$48,422
Pop. 227,470
Lafayette, LA
$46,426
Pop. 121,374
Lake Charles, LA
$45,427
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$44,928
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Truck Driver in New Orleans

Education

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

Find Truck Driver Jobs in New Orleans

Browse open truck driver positions in New Orleans, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Truck Driver Salary in New Orleans

How much does a Truck Driver make in New Orleans, LA? ▼
The median truck driver salary in New Orleans, Louisiana is $51,418 per year, which is 3.0% above the national median of $49,920. Salaries range from $34,196 (10th percentile) to $80,340 (90th percentile).
How much does a Truck Driver make per hour in New Orleans? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $51,418, a truck driver in New Orleans earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does New Orleans compare to the Louisiana state average for truck driver pay? ▼
New Orleans's median truck driver salary of $51,418 is 7.3% above the Louisiana state average of $47,923. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in New Orleans, LA? ▼
New Orleans has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a truck driver salary of $51,418 in New Orleans has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a truck driver in New Orleans? ▼
Most truck driver positions in New Orleans 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.