Truck Drivers Salary in Kentucky (KY) in 2026

Truck driver salary in Kentucky

Truck drivers in Kentucky earn steady wages supported by the state’s strong logistics network which combines its manufacturing sector with its central location for Southeast and Midwest freight corridors. The salary range for truck drivers in Kentucky starts at $46000 for entry-level positions and extends to $74400 for experienced drivers while specialized drivers and owner-operators achieve annual earnings of $102000.

Kentucky functions as a key distribution and shipping center which contains major freight hubs in Louisville and Lexington and provides access to essential interstate highways I-65 and I-75 and I-64. The upper pay scale applies to drivers who operate dedicated lanes and transport freight between the Midwest and Southeast regions.

Truck drivers average salary in KY

Truck drivers in Kentucky typically earn between $46,000 and $74,400 annually, depending on their work experience and the type of routes and freight they handle. Entry-level drivers begin their careers by working on local and short regional delivery routes, while experienced CDL drivers take advantage of continuous interstate freight operations and distribution center activities.

Here’s a breakdown of the typical salary for truck drivers in Kentucky:

Driver Type / Experience	Average Monthly Pay	Average Annual Salary
Entry-Level CDL Driver (Limited experience, mostly local routes)	$3,800 – $4,100	$48,000 – $52,000
Experienced CDL Driver (Regional or OTR routes)	$6,000 – $6,200	$72,000 – $74,400
Class A CDL (Long-Haul, Interstate u0026 dedicated lanes)	$6,200 – $7,000	$74,000 – $84,000
Owner-Operator (After expenses, varies widely)	$6,800 – $8,500	$82,000 – $102,000
Specialized Freight (Hazmat, Tanker)	$6,500 – $8,500	$78,000 – $102,000

How Much Does a Class A CDL Driver Get Paid in Kentucky?

Drivers with a Class A CDL in Kentucky operate tractor-trailers across busy regional freight corridors connecting the Midwest and Southeast. The state distributes its strong distribution infrastructure and its location near major freight markets to provide Class A CDL drivers essential work and predictable driving distances. On average, a Class A CDL driver in Kentucky earns between $74,000 and $84,000 per year, with higher earnings available for long-haul routes or specialized freight assignments.

Remember

How much does a truck driver in Kentucky make annually? In general, salaries of Kentucky big rig drivers usually range between $46,000 and $74,400, with salaries of the highest earners being as high as $102,000.
Big rig drivers in Kentucky usually earn around the national average due to strong regional freight demand and major logistics hubs within the state.
Beginning drivers are often paid near the lower end of that range at around $46,000, while specially trained and owner operator positions can earn up to $102,000 or more per year.
How much can a Class A CDL driver expect to bring in? Most typically the driver can bring in an income that ranges between $74,000 and $84,000 annually depending on the route and experience.

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