Truck Driver Salary in Louisville
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Louisville, Kentucky. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$64,660
CDL-B Avg
$48,384
Non-CDL Avg
$52,790
Owner-Op Gross
$210,600
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Louisville truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Louisville
Louisville's cost of living is 10% below the national average. Your trucking salary stretches further here than in most cities.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$64,660
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$71,844
After adjusting for Louisville's cost of living index of 90, a CDL-A salary of $64,660 provides the same purchasing power as $71,844 in an average-cost area. Your money goes further in Louisville than the raw salary suggests.
Louisville vs Kentucky vs National Average
| Metric | Louisville | KY Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $64,660 | $59,870 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$4,790 | ||
| vs National | +$5,950 | ||
| Cost of Living | 90 | 90 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $71,844 | $66,522 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Louisville
Truck driver wages in Louisville are trending upward, driven by growth in package handling & express and bourbon & spirits. E-commerce fulfillment expansion and high turnover across the Kentucky market continue to push pay higher.
Which carriers run freight through Louisville?
These are large carriers with a real presence in the region. We do not publish what any of them pays in Louisville — that is a number only the carrier and the driver know, and it moves with the account, the lane and your record. Ask for it in cents per mile alongside the expected weekly miles.
- Werner Enterprises
- Heartland Express
- USA Truck
- Averitt Express
Read our carrier profiles for pay structure, home time and equipment on each one.
Industries Driving Trucking Demand in Louisville
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Louisville market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Louisville
Browse CDL driver positions in Louisville, KY from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Louisville
What is the average truck driver salary in Louisville, KY?
CDL-A truck drivers in Louisville, Kentucky earn an average of $64,660 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Louisville market is influenced by package handling & express and bourbon & spirits freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Louisville?
Owner-operators based in Louisville gross approximately $210,600 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $80,028 to $101,088. The Louisville area's cost of living index of 90 is below the national average by 10%.
Is Louisville a good city for trucking jobs?
Louisville offers strong trucking employment thanks to its package handling & express and bourbon & spirits 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.