Truck Drivers Salary in Louisiana (LA) in 2026

Truck driver salary in Louisiana

Louisiana truck drivers benefit from steady earnings generated by the maritime sector, oil and gas activities, chemical production, and agricultural logistics. The state of Louisiana establishes itself as an essential transportation hub because it connects the Mississippi River corridor with important Gulf Coast ports. Truck drivers in Louisiana receive annual salaries between $47000 and $75600 depending on their experience level while specialized drivers and owner-operators can earn up to $105600 per year.

The energy sector together with petrochemical transportation and seafood and agricultural freight movement needs and the I-10 I-20 and I-49 interstate systems all shape Louisiana’s trucking industry. The salary for drivers who operate port lanes or energy routes or long-distance freight routes typically reaches their maximum value.

Truck drivers average salary in LA

Truck drivers in Louisiana typically earn between $47,000 and $75,600 annually, depending on experience, route type, and freight specialization. Entry-level drivers usually start their careers by handling local and regional deliveries while Gulf Coast freight demand provides industrial shipping lanes for experienced CDL drivers to work on.

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

Driver Type / Experience	Average Monthly Pay	Average Annual Salary
Entry-Level CDL Driver (Limited experience, mostly local routes)	$3,900 – $4,200	$47,000 – $50,000
Experienced CDL Driver (Regional or OTR routes)	$6,200 – $6,300	$74,000 – $75,600
Class A CDL (Long-Haul, Interstate u0026 dedicated lanes)	$6,300 – $7,200	$76,000 – $86,000
Owner-Operator (After expenses, varies widely)	$6,800 – $8,800	$82,000 – $105,600
Specialized Freight (Hazmat, Tanker)	$6,500 – $8,800	$78,000 – $105,600

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

Louisiana drivers who hold a Class A CDL license drive tractor-trailers throughout Gulf Coast freight corridors and port terminals and energy sector supply routes. The state’s heavy petrochemical and port operations enable Class A CDL drivers to access specialized freight opportunities which exist in these areas. The annual income for Class A CDL drivers in Louisiana ranges from $76000 to $86000, while drivers who handle hazmat, tanker, or long-haul interstate routes have the potential to earn more.

Remember

How much does a truck driver in Louisiana make annually? In general, salaries of Louisiana big rig drivers usually range between $47,000 and $75,600, with salaries of the highest earners being as high as $105,600.
Big rig drivers in Louisiana usually earn around the national average due to strong port activity, energy-sector freight demand, and Gulf Coast shipping volume.
Beginning drivers are often paid near the lower end of that range at around $47,000, while specially trained and owner operator positions can earn up to $105,600 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 $76,000 and $86,000 annually depending on the route and experience.

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