Truck Driver Salary in New Orleans
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in New Orleans, Louisiana. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$56,084
CDL-B Avg
$48,060
Non-CDL Avg
$48,535
Owner-Op Gross
$210,600
Salary Comparison by License Type
How New Orleans truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in New Orleans
New Orleans's cost of living is near the national average, offering a balanced ratio of salary to expenses for truck drivers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$56,084
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$57,819
After adjusting for New Orleans's cost of living index of 97, a CDL-A salary of $56,084 provides the same purchasing power as $57,819 in an average-cost area. Your money goes further in New Orleans than the raw salary suggests.
New Orleans vs Louisiana vs National Average
| Metric | New Orleans | LA Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $56,084 | $51,930 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$4,154 | ||
| vs National | $-2,626 | ||
| Cost of Living | 97 | 91 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $57,819 | $57,066 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in New Orleans
Truck driver wages in New Orleans are trending upward, driven by growth in petrochemical and grain & agricultural exports. E-commerce fulfillment expansion and high turnover across the Louisiana market continue to push pay higher.
Which carriers run freight through New Orleans?
These are large carriers with a real presence in the region. We do not publish what any of them pays in New Orleans — that is a number only the carrier and the driver know, and it moves with the account, the lane and your record.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 New Orleans
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the New Orleans market.
Find Trucking Jobs in New Orleans
Browse CDL driver positions in New Orleans, LA from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in New Orleans
What is the average truck driver salary in New Orleans, LA?
CDL-A truck drivers in New Orleans, Louisiana earn an average of $56,084 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The New Orleans market is influenced by petrochemical and grain & agricultural exports freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in New Orleans?
Owner-operators based in New Orleans gross approximately $210,600 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $80,028 to $101,088. The New Orleans area's cost of living index of 97 is near the national average.
Is New Orleans a good city for trucking jobs?
New Orleans offers strong trucking employment thanks to its petrochemical and grain & agricultural exports sectors. The city's cost of living is near 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.