Truck Driver Salary in Paducah
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Paducah, Kentucky. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$57,475
CDL-B Avg
$43,008
Non-CDL Avg
$46,925
Owner-Op Gross
$187,200
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Paducah truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Paducah
Paducah's cost of living is 12% below the national average. Your trucking salary stretches further here than in most cities.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$57,475
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$65,313
After adjusting for Paducah's cost of living index of 88, a CDL-A salary of $57,475 provides the same purchasing power as $65,313 in an average-cost area. Your money goes further in Paducah than the raw salary suggests.
Paducah vs Kentucky vs National Average
| Metric | Paducah | KY Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $57,475 | $59,870 | $58,710 |
| vs State | $-2,395 | ||
| vs National | $-1,235 | ||
| Cost of Living | 88 | 90 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $65,313 | $66,522 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Paducah
Trucking pay in Paducah has remained steady, supported by consistent freight demand from river port operations and railroad operations. The Kentucky market offers reliable work with predictable earnings for CDL drivers.
Which carriers run freight through Paducah?
These are large carriers with a real presence in the region. We do not publish what any of them pays in Paducah — that is a number only the carrier and the driver know, and it moves with the account, the lane and your record.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 Paducah
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Paducah market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Paducah
Browse CDL driver positions in Paducah, KY from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Paducah
What is the average truck driver salary in Paducah, KY?
CDL-A truck drivers in Paducah, Kentucky earn an average of $57,475 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Paducah market is influenced by river port operations and railroad operations freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Paducah?
Owner-operators based in Paducah gross approximately $187,200 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $71,136 to $89,856. The Paducah area's cost of living index of 88 is below the national average by 12%.
Is Paducah a good city for trucking jobs?
Paducah offers strong trucking employment thanks to its river port operations and railroad operations 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.