📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary in Kentucky (2026)

Kentucky · 17.0% below national average · Very High Demand

Average
$49,559
per year
Median
$48,671
per year
Hourly
$23.83
per hour
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
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Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$34,944
25th Percentile — Junior$41,458
50th Percentile — Median$48,671
75th Percentile — Senior$56,114
90th Percentile — Top Earners$60,614
💡 Top-earning Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driverss in Kentucky make up to $60,614 per year. The job market in Kentucky is rated moderate, with key industries including Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$43.8k
2021
$44.9k
2022
$46.0k
2023
$47.2k
2024
$48.4k
2025
$49.6k
2026
📈 Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers salaries in Kentucky have followed the national trend with 2.5% annual growth. The strong demand in Kentucky's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary by City in Kentucky
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Louisville $41,630 -16.0% Very High
Lexington $41,630 -16.0% Very High
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Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Job Market in Kentucky
Key factors affecting compensation

Kentucky is home to a moderate job market for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driverss. The state's key industries — Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $49,559 per year, Kentucky's Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Kentucky (index: 0.83) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in Kentucky can expect to earn $34,944–$41,458, while experienced Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driverss can command $56,114–$60,614.

Looking ahead, the Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers profession in Kentucky is projected to grow at 2.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Manufacturing continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers salary in Kentucky is $49,559 per year in 2026, which is 17.0% below the national average of $59,710.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driverss the highest wages in Kentucky due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Kentucky has a moderate job market with major industries in Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture. Opportunities exist in for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers employment.
  • At $49,559/year, Kentucky Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average of $59,710/year.