Truck Driver Salary in Baton Rouge
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$54,007
CDL-B Avg
$46,280
Non-CDL Avg
$46,738
Owner-Op Gross
$202,800
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Baton Rouge truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge's cost of living is 7% below the national average. Your trucking salary stretches further here than in most cities.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$54,007
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$58,072
After adjusting for Baton Rouge's cost of living index of 93, a CDL-A salary of $54,007 provides the same purchasing power as $58,072 in an average-cost area. Your money goes further in Baton Rouge than the raw salary suggests.
Baton Rouge vs Louisiana vs National Average
| Metric | Baton Rouge | LA Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $54,007 | $51,930 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$2,077 | ||
| vs National | $-4,703 | ||
| Cost of Living | 93 | 91 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $58,072 | $57,066 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Baton Rouge
Trucking pay in Baton Rouge has remained steady, supported by consistent freight demand from petrochemical refining and chemical manufacturing. The Louisiana market offers reliable work with predictable earnings for CDL drivers.
Which carriers run freight through Baton Rouge?
These are large carriers with a real presence in the region. We do not publish what any of them pays in Baton Rouge — that is a number only the carrier and the driver know, and it moves with the account, the lane and your record.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 Baton Rouge
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Baton Rouge market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Baton Rouge
Browse CDL driver positions in Baton Rouge, LA from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Baton Rouge
What is the average truck driver salary in Baton Rouge, LA?
CDL-A truck drivers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana earn an average of $54,007 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Baton Rouge market is influenced by petrochemical refining and chemical manufacturing freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Baton Rouge?
Owner-operators based in Baton Rouge gross approximately $202,800 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $77,064 to $97,344. The Baton Rouge area's cost of living index of 93 is below the national average by 7%.
Is Baton Rouge a good city for trucking jobs?
Baton Rouge offers strong trucking employment thanks to its petrochemical refining and chemical manufacturing 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.