Truck Driver Salaries in Louisiana — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026The median truck driver salary in Louisiana is $48,770 per year, equivalent to $23.45/hr, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme. Louisiana employs approximately 26,260 truck drivers statewide.
Truck Driver salaries in Louisiana are below the national average by approximately $7,722. Louisiana has a state income tax rate of up to 4.25%.
Pro-business policies and steady migration into Louisiana keep demand strong for truck drivers.
Louisiana Truck Driver Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Louisiana after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Louisiana has a state income tax rate of up to 4.25%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Louisiana has a state income tax rate of up to 4.25%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Louisiana Truck Driver Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Louisiana median of $48,770.
Truck Driver Salary by Experience — Louisiana
Truck Driver Salary Trend in Louisiana — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataOver the past five years, Louisiana has seen 13.9% wage growth for truck drivers — broadly in line with cost-of-living changes across the region. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Louisiana's freight and logistics.
Truck Driver Salary by City — Louisiana
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans | $54,150 | $26.03 | +11.0% | 9,191 |
| Baton Rouge | $51,700 | $24.86 | +6.0% | 7,352 |
| Shreveport | $50,250 | $24.16 | +3.0% | 4,726 |
| Lafayette | $46,800 | $22.50 | -4.0% | 2,363 |
| Lake Charles | $44,400 | $21.35 | -9.0% | 1,575 |
| Kenner | $42,450 | $20.41 | -13.0% | 1,050 |
Tip: New Orleans offers the highest truck driver salaries in Louisiana at $54,150/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Louisiana vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Louisiana sits in the mid-range for truck drivers.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Louisiana has a state income tax rate of up to 4.25%.
Truck Driver Job Outlook in Louisiana
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for truck drivers in Louisiana is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Louisiana job market. Pro-business policies and steady migration into Louisiana keep demand strong for truck drivers.
How to Earn More as a Truck Driver in Louisiana
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a truck driver in Louisiana typically adds $40,000 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State DMV — CDL Licence can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. New Orleans pays truck drivers $54,150/yr — +11.0% above the Louisiana average. Simply relocating within Louisiana 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 Louisiana. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Texas pays truck drivers $53,070/yr — 8.8% vs Louisiana.
Find Truck Driver Jobs in Louisiana
Live ListingsSearch current truck driver job vacancies in Louisiana:
🔍 Truck Driver jobs in Louisiana — Indeed→ 🔍 Truck Driver jobs in Louisiana — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Truck Driver jobs — New Orleans, LA→