Truck Driver Salary in Louisiana
Complete 2026 salary data for CDL and non-CDL truck drivers in Louisiana. Compare pay by license type, see cost of living adjustments, and find the highest-paying cities.
CDL-A Avg
$55,200
CDL-B Avg
$44,500
Non-CDL Avg
$38,000
Owner-Op Gross
$195,000
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Louisiana truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Louisiana
Louisiana's cost of living is 9% below the national average. Your salary stretches further here than in most states.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$55,200
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$60,659
After adjusting for Louisiana's cost of living index of 91, a CDL-A salary of $55,200 provides the same purchasing power as $60,659 in an average-cost area. This means your money goes further in Louisiana than the raw salary suggests.
Top Paying Cities in Louisiana
These cities offer the highest average truck driver salaries in Louisiana based on freight volume, distribution center density, and local demand.
Salary Trend in Louisiana
Louisiana trucking wages are stable, supported by petrochemical corridor hauling between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, Port of South Louisiana activity, and Gulf Coast energy sector freight.
Louisiana vs National Average
| Category | LA | National | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $55,200 | $58,710 | $-3,510 |
| Cost of Living | 91 | 100 | -9 |
| Adjusted Pay | $60,659 | $58,710 | +$1,949 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Louisiana
What do truck drivers earn in Louisiana?
Louisiana CDL-A drivers average $55,200 per year. Hazmat tanker drivers working the petrochemical corridor between Baton Rouge and New Orleans can earn significantly more, often $65,000-$75,000.
What are the highest-paying trucking jobs in Louisiana?
Hazmat tanker drivers in the Chemical Corridor earn the most ($65,000-$75,000), followed by oilfield hauling in the northern parishes and Port of South Louisiana drayage operations.
Is Louisiana a good state for owner-operators?
Louisiana offers decent owner-operator opportunities, with gross revenues around $195,000. The petrochemical and energy sectors provide consistent specialized freight, though hurricane season can disrupt schedules.