BLS OEWS 2023 — SOC 53-3032: Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
National mean: $51,040/year · Arkansas: $48,970/year · Difference: -$2,070/year
| Metric | Arkansas | National |
|---|---|---|
| Mean Annual Wage | $48,970 | $51,040 |
| Mean Hourly Wage | $23.54 | $24.54 |
| Median Annual Wage | $46,990 | $46,240 |
| Median Hourly Wage | $22.60 | $22.23 |
| Drivers Employed | 33.8K | 1,811K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2023 — SOC 53-3032: Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers.
The average (mean) truck driver salary in Arkansas is $48,970 per year ($23.54/hr) according to BLS OEWS 2023 data (SOC 53-3032). The median is $46,990/year. Approximately 33.8 thousand drivers work in this category in Arkansas.
Arkansas ranks #40 out of 50 states. The national mean is $51,040/year; Arkansas is $2,070 lower (-4.1%).
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.