Truck Driver Salary in Arkansas
Complete 2026 salary data for CDL and non-CDL truck drivers in Arkansas. Compare pay by license type, see cost of living adjustments, and find the highest-paying cities.
CDL-A Avg
$50,200
CDL-B Avg
$40,800
Non-CDL Avg
$35,500
Owner-Op Gross
$168,000
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Arkansas truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Arkansas
Arkansas's cost of living is 14% below the national average. Your salary stretches further here than in most states.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$50,200
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$58,372
After adjusting for Arkansas's cost of living index of 86, a CDL-A salary of $50,200 provides the same purchasing power as $58,372 in an average-cost area. This means your money goes further in Arkansas than the raw salary suggests.
Top Paying Cities in Arkansas
These cities offer the highest average truck driver salaries in Arkansas based on freight volume, distribution center density, and local demand.
Salary Trend in Arkansas
Arkansas wages remain steady, supported by Walmart's massive logistics network headquartered in Bentonville and J.B. Hunt's presence in Lowell creating consistent demand for drivers.
Arkansas vs National Average
| Category | AR | National | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $50,200 | $58,710 | $-8,510 |
| Cost of Living | 86 | 100 | -14 |
| Adjusted Pay | $58,372 | $58,710 | $-338 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Arkansas
What is the average trucker salary in Arkansas?
Arkansas CDL-A drivers average $50,200 per year. Adjusted for the state's low cost of living (86% of national average), the effective purchasing power equals $58,372.
Does J.B. Hunt hire a lot of drivers in Arkansas?
Yes, J.B. Hunt is headquartered in Lowell, AR and is one of the state's largest trucking employers. They offer competitive pay, benefits, and multiple driving divisions for different home time preferences.
What freight runs through Arkansas?
Arkansas sits at the crossroads of I-40 and I-30, handling retail distribution (Walmart), poultry processing (Tyson), and steel/timber freight. The Northwest Arkansas corridor is a major logistics hub.