BLS OEWS 2024 — SOC 53-3032: Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
National mean: $58,240/year · Arkansas: $53,580/year · Difference: -$4,660/year
| Metric | Arkansas | National |
|---|---|---|
| Mean Annual Wage | $53,580 | $58,240 |
| Mean Hourly Wage | $25.76 | $28.00 |
| Median Annual Wage | $49,520 | $57,440 |
| Median Hourly Wage | $23.81 | $27.62 |
| Drivers Employed | 35.8K | 2,070K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024 — SOC 53-3032: Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers.
The average (mean) truck driver salary in Arkansas is $53,580 per year ($25.76/hr) according to BLS OEWS 2024 data (SOC 53-3032). The median is $49,520/year. Approximately 35.8 thousand drivers work in this category in Arkansas.
Arkansas ranks #49 out of 50 states. The national mean is $58,240/year; Arkansas is $4,660 lower (-8%).
Pay depends on freight volume, proximity to major distribution hubs and ports, cost of living, employer type (private fleet vs. for-hire), experience, CDL endorsements, and route type (OTR vs. regional vs. local). Specialized freight — hazmat, reefer, flatbed, oversized — typically pays a premium over dry van rates in any state.