BLS OEWS 2024 — SOC 53-3032: Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
National mean: $58,240/year · Louisiana: $54,450/year · Difference: -$3,790/year
| Metric | Louisiana | National |
|---|---|---|
| Mean Annual Wage | $54,450 | $58,240 |
| Mean Hourly Wage | $26.18 | $28.00 |
| Median Annual Wage | $48,770 | $57,440 |
| Median Hourly Wage | $23.45 | $27.62 |
| Drivers Employed | 30.1K | 2,070K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024 — SOC 53-3032: Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers.
The average (mean) truck driver salary in Louisiana is $54,450 per year ($26.18/hr) according to BLS OEWS 2024 data (SOC 53-3032). The median is $48,770/year. Approximately 30.1 thousand drivers work in this category in Louisiana.
Louisiana ranks #48 out of 50 states. The national mean is $58,240/year; Louisiana is $3,790 lower (-6.5%).
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.