Truck Drivers Salary in Arkansas (AR) in 2026

Truck driver salary in Arkansas

The state of Arkansas offers truck drivers stable income through its agricultural production system and food distribution system and its extensive freight transportation network. The salary range for truck drivers in Arkansas starts at $45000 for entry-level positions and goes up to $72000 for drivers with experience, while specialized drivers who work as owner-operators can earn up to $96000 annually.

Interstate highways link Texas and Tennessee and Missouri and Oklahoma which makes Arkansas an important hub for freight transportation between Southern and Midwestern regions. Drivers operating regional agricultural vehicles and retail trucks and long-haul freight services generally receive higher pay rates.

Truck drivers average salary in AR

Truck drivers in Arkansas typically earn between $45,000 and $72,000 annually, which depends on their level of experience and the type of routes and freight categories they handle. Entry-level drivers usually start their careers by driving local routes or short regional routes, while experienced CDL holders can secure consistent pay through routes that include regular interstate travel and known distance requirements.

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

Driver Type / Experience	Average Monthly Pay	Average Annual Salary
Entry-Level CDL Driver (Limited experience, mostly local routes)	$3,700 – $4,000	$45,000 – $48,000
Experienced CDL Driver (Regional or OTR routes)	$5,800 – $6,000	$69,000 – $72,000
Class A CDL (Long-Haul, Interstate u0026 dedicated lanes)	$6,000 – $6,800	$72,000 – $82,000
Owner-Operator (After expenses, varies widely)	$6,500 – $8,000	$78,000 – $96,000
Specialized Freight (Hazmat, Tanker)	$6,000 – $8,000	$72,000 – $96,000

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

Drivers who possess a Class A CDL license in Arkansas drive trucks throughout both Southern regional routes and main interstate highways I-40 and I-30. The state’s food processing and agricultural activities and its retail distribution system create ongoing freight needs which benefit Class A CDL drivers in the state. A Class A CDL driver in Arkansas earns an annual salary that ranges from $72000 to $82000, while drivers who work long-haul OTR routes or specialized freight operations can earn more.

Remember

How much does a truck driver in Arkansas make annually? In general, salaries of Arkansas big rig drivers usually range between $45,000 and $72,000, with salaries of the highest earners being as high as $96,000.
Big rig drivers in Arkansas typically earn slightly below the national average, reflecting lower operating costs but steady regional freight demand.
Beginning drivers are often paid near the lower end of that range at around $45,000, while specially trained and owner operator positions can earn up to $96,000 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 $72,000 and $82,000 annually depending on the route and experience.

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