📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Heavy Truck Driver Salary in Kentucky (2026)

Kentucky · 17.0% below national average · High Demand

Average
$45,086
per year
Median
$41,782
per year
Hourly
$21.68
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$29,911
25th Percentile — Junior$38,103
50th Percentile — Median$41,782
75th Percentile — Senior$56,536
90th Percentile — Top Earners$63,318
💡 Top-earning Heavy Truck Drivers in Kentucky make up to $63,318 per year. The job market in Kentucky is rated moderate, with key industries including Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$39.8k
2021
$40.8k
2022
$41.9k
2023
$42.9k
2024
$44.0k
2025
$45.1k
2026
📈 Heavy Truck Driver 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 Truck Driver Salary by City in Kentucky
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Louisville $37,872 -16.0% High
Lexington $37,872 -16.0% High
🔍
Heavy Truck Driver Job Market in Kentucky
Key factors affecting compensation

Kentucky is home to a moderate job market for Heavy Truck Drivers. The state's key industries — Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $45,086 per year, Kentucky's Heavy Truck Driver 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 $29,911–$38,103, while experienced Heavy Truck Drivers can command $56,536–$63,318.

Looking ahead, the Heavy Truck Driver 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
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Heavy Truck Driver salary in Kentucky is $45,086 per year in 2026, which is 17.0% below the national average of $54,320.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Heavy Truck Drivers 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 Truck Driver employment.
  • At $45,086/year, Kentucky Heavy Truck Driver salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average of $54,320/year.