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Truck Driver Salaries in Arkansas — 2026 Overview

BLS 2026

Truck Drivers in Arkansas earn an average of $49,520 per year ($23.81/hr) according to the latest BLS data. The state currently employs around 32,290 truck drivers.

Truck Driver salaries in Arkansas are below the national average by approximately $6,972. Arkansas has a state income tax rate of up to 4.4%.

Arkansas's growing population and business-friendly environment create expanding opportunities for truck drivers.

Arkansas Truck Driver Take-Home Pay Calculator

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Enter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Arkansas after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Arkansas has a state income tax rate of up to 4.4%.

Your annual gross salary ($)
Gross Annual
$49,520
Federal Tax (est.)
calculating...
FICA + State Tax
calculating...
Estimated Take-Home
$40,682

Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Arkansas has a state income tax rate of up to 4.4%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.

Am I Paid Fairly? — Arkansas Truck Driver Check

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Enter your current salary to see how it compares to the Arkansas median of $49,520.

Your annual salary ($)

Truck Driver Salary by Experience — Arkansas

Entry Level (0–2 years)$30,700/yr · $14.76/hr
Beginning career, developing core skills under supervision in Arkansas.
Mid-Level (3–6 years)$44,072/yr · $21.19/hr
Established professional working independently in Arkansas. Pursuing advanced certifications.
Experienced (7–12 years)$54,967/yr · $26.43/hr
Senior professional with specialised skills commanding above-average pay in Arkansas.
Senior / Expert (12+ years)$71,300+/yr · $34.28/hr
Top earner. Leadership, management or highly specialised role in Arkansas.
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Truck Driver Salary Trend in Arkansas — 2021 to 2026

5-Year Data

truck drivers pay in Arkansas has risen approximately 13.9% since 2021, mirroring national trends across the truck driver workforce. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Arkansas's freight and logistics.

2021
$43,478
2022
$46,004
+5.8%
2023
$48,133
+4.6%
2024
$48,925
+1.6%
2026
$49,520
+1.2%

Truck Driver Salary by City — Arkansas

BLS Metro Data
City / Metro AreaAnnual MedianHourlyvs StateJobs
Little Rock$54,950$26.42+11.0%11,301
Fort Smith$52,500$25.24+6.0%9,041
Fayetteville$51,000$24.52+3.0%5,812
Springdale$47,550$22.86-4.0%2,906
Jonesboro$45,050$21.66-9.0%1,937
Conway$43,100$20.72-13.0%1,291

Tip: Little Rock offers the highest truck driver salaries in Arkansas at $54,950/yr — +11.0% above the state average.

Arkansas vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power

Cost of Living Adjusted

Gross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Arkansas sits in the mid-range for truck drivers.

Arkansas — 4.4% state income tax$49,520 gross~$40,682 take-home
Missouri — 4.8%$50,540 gross+2.1% vs AR
Tennessee — no state tax$55,610 gross+12.3% vs AR
Mississippi — 5.0%$50,700 gross+2.4% vs AR

Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Arkansas has a state income tax rate of up to 4.4%.

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Truck Driver Job Outlook in Arkansas

BLS Projections
+10%Job growth 2026–33
32,290Currently employed
3,229+New jobs projected

Employment for truck drivers in Arkansas is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Arkansas job market. Arkansas's growing population and business-friendly environment create expanding opportunities for truck drivers.

How to Earn More as a Truck Driver in Arkansas

1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a truck driver in Arkansas typically adds $40,600 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State DMV — CDL Licence can accelerate this progression.

2. Target the highest-paying city. Little Rock pays truck drivers $54,950/yr — +11.0% above the Arkansas average. Simply relocating within Arkansas can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.

3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Truck Drivers who specialise in freight and logistics typically command premium rates in Arkansas. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.

4. Consider neighbouring states. Missouri pays truck drivers $50,540/yr — 2.1% vs Arkansas.

Find Truck Driver Jobs in Arkansas

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a truck driver earn in Arkansas on average?
The average truck driver salary in Arkansas is $49,520 per year, or $23.81 per hour, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (2026 update). Entry-level positions start around $30,700 while experienced professionals earn $71,300 or more.
Where do truck drivers earn the most in Arkansas?
Little Rock pays truck drivers the most in Arkansas at an average of $54,950 per year — +11.0% above the state average.
Is truck driver pay in Arkansas above or below the US average?
Arkansas truck driver salaries are below the calculated national average by approximately $6,972. Arkansas has a state income tax rate of up to 4.4%.
What is the take-home pay for a truck driver in Arkansas?
A truck driver earning the Arkansas average of $49,520 takes home approximately $40,682 per year after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. Arkansas has a state income tax rate of up to 4.4%.
Should you become a truck driver in Arkansas?
Yes. Truck Driver is a strong career choice in Arkansas with steady demand projected over the next decade. Arkansas's growing population and business-friendly environment create expanding opportunities for truck drivers.
How do you become a licensed truck driver in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, truck drivers are licensed through the State DMV — CDL Licence. Requirements vary by specialisation level — contact the State DMV — CDL Licence for current examination and experience requirements.
DATA SOURCE All salary data from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024 survey. Employment projections from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Full methodology →

Important disclaimer: Salary and wage data on WageByState is provided for informational purposes only. Figures are sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme and represent median values across large populations — your individual earnings will vary. Take-home pay calculations are estimates and do not constitute tax advice. WageByState accepts no liability for decisions made based on information on this site. Not affiliated with the Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency.