BLS OEWS 2023 — SOC 53-3032: Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
National mean: $51,040/year · Louisiana: $48,630/year · Difference: -$2,410/year
| Metric | Louisiana | National |
|---|---|---|
| Mean Annual Wage | $48,630 | $51,040 |
| Mean Hourly Wage | $23.38 | $24.54 |
| Median Annual Wage | $45,340 | $46,240 |
| Median Hourly Wage | $21.80 | $22.23 |
| Drivers Employed | 30.5K | 1,811K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2023 — SOC 53-3032: Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers.
The average (mean) truck driver salary in Louisiana is $48,630 per year ($23.38/hr) according to BLS OEWS 2023 data (SOC 53-3032). The median is $45,340/year. Approximately 30.5 thousand drivers work in this category in Louisiana.
Louisiana ranks #42 out of 50 states. The national mean is $51,040/year; Louisiana is $2,410 lower (-4.7%).
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.