Truck Driver Salary in Lake Charles
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$56,083
CDL-B Avg
$43,184
Non-CDL Avg
$35,332
Owner-Op Gross
$145,816
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Lake Charles truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Lake Charles
Lake Charles's cost of living is 12% below the national average. Your trucking salary stretches further here than in most cities.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$56,083
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$63,731
After adjusting for Lake Charles's cost of living index of 88, a CDL-A salary of $56,083 provides the same purchasing power as $63,731 in an average-cost area. Your money goes further in Lake Charles than the raw salary suggests.
Lake Charles vs Louisiana vs National Average
| Metric | Lake Charles | LA Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $56,083 | $55,200 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$883 | ||
| vs National | $-2,627 | ||
| Cost of Living | 88 | 91 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $63,731 | $60,659 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Lake Charles
Trucking pay in Lake Charles has remained steady, supported by consistent freight demand from petrochemical manufacturing and lng export. The Louisiana market offers reliable work with predictable earnings for CDL drivers.
Top Paying Companies in Lake Charles
These carriers and logistics companies offer some of the highest truck driver pay in the Lake Charles area.
| Company | Avg Annual Pay |
|---|---|
| 1Old Dominion | $73,152 |
| 2FedEx Freight | $69,088 |
| 3XPO Logistics | $66,040 |
| 4Southeastern Freight Lines | $64,008 |
Industries Driving Trucking Demand in Lake Charles
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Lake Charles market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Lake Charles
Browse CDL driver positions in Lake Charles, LA from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Lake Charles
What is the average truck driver salary in Lake Charles, LA?
CDL-A truck drivers in Lake Charles, Louisiana earn an average of $56,083 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Lake Charles market is influenced by petrochemical manufacturing and lng export freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Lake Charles?
Owner-operators based in Lake Charles gross approximately $145,816 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $55,410 to $69,992. The Lake Charles area's cost of living index of 88 is below the national average by 12%.
Is Lake Charles a good city for trucking jobs?
Lake Charles offers strong trucking employment thanks to its petrochemical manufacturing and lng export sectors. The city's cost of living is below the national average, which means your paycheck goes further here than in many metros. CDL drivers with hazmat or tanker endorsements can earn 10-20% above the city average.