Truck Driver Salary in New Orleans
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in New Orleans, Louisiana. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$59,199
CDL-B Avg
$46,175
Non-CDL Avg
$37,887
Owner-Op Gross
$171,677
Salary Comparison by License Type
How New Orleans truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in New Orleans
New Orleans's cost of living is near the national average, offering a balanced ratio of salary to expenses for truck drivers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$59,199
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$61,030
After adjusting for New Orleans's cost of living index of 97, a CDL-A salary of $59,199 provides the same purchasing power as $61,030 in an average-cost area. Your money goes further in New Orleans than the raw salary suggests.
New Orleans vs Louisiana vs National Average
| Metric | New Orleans | LA Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $59,199 | $55,200 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$3,999 | ||
| vs National | +$489 | ||
| Cost of Living | 97 | 91 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $61,030 | $60,659 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in New Orleans
Truck driver wages in New Orleans are trending upward, driven by growth in petrochemical and grain & agricultural exports. E-commerce fulfillment expansion and a persistent driver shortage in the Louisiana market continue to push pay higher.
Top Paying Companies in New Orleans
These carriers and logistics companies offer some of the highest truck driver pay in the New Orleans area.
| Company | Avg Annual Pay |
|---|---|
| 1FedEx Freight | $72,926 |
| 2XPO Logistics | $69,709 |
| 3Southeastern Freight Lines | $67,564 |
| 4Werner Enterprises | $66,491 |
Industries Driving Trucking Demand in New Orleans
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the New Orleans market.
Find Trucking Jobs in New Orleans
Browse CDL driver positions in New Orleans, LA from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in New Orleans
What is the average truck driver salary in New Orleans, LA?
CDL-A truck drivers in New Orleans, Louisiana earn an average of $59,199 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The New Orleans market is influenced by petrochemical and grain & agricultural exports freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in New Orleans?
Owner-operators based in New Orleans gross approximately $171,677 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $65,237 to $82,405. The New Orleans area's cost of living index of 97 is near the national average.
Is New Orleans a good city for trucking jobs?
New Orleans offers strong trucking employment thanks to its petrochemical and grain & agricultural exports sectors. The city's cost of living is near 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.