Truck Driver Salary in Kentucky
Based on 32K+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$56,340
$27.09/hr
vs National Average
$58,233
-3.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$39K – $86K
32K employed in Kentucky
The median Truck Driver salary in Kentucky is $56,340 annually, which equates to approximately $27 per hour. This figure is 3.3% lower than the national average for truck drivers, with a total of 31,760 individuals employed in this profession within the state.
Several factors can influence a Truck Driver salary in Kentucky. These include the driver's years of experience, the specific type of cargo transported, the company they work for, and the routes they typically cover. For example, specialized hauling or long-haul routes may command higher pay than local delivery positions.
Salary Distribution — Truck Driver in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $38,670 |
| 25th percentile | $47,810 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $56,340 |
| 75th percentile | $70,020 |
| 90th percentile | $85,630 |
Top-Paying Industries for Truck Driver (U.S.)
Which industries pay Truck Drivers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Truck Drivers in Kentucky tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $65,810 | 2K |
| Information | $63,030 | 1K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $61,740 | 10K |
| Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $60,100 | 960 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $60,030 | 1.2M |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Truck Driver in Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $56,340 |
| 2026 (projected) | $58,030 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Kentucky Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $56,340 | $58,233 |
| 2026 (projected) | $58,030 | $59,980 |
Truck Driver Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $47,810 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $56,340 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $70,020 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $85,630 |
Truck Driver Salary in Other States
Related Truck Driver Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Truck Driver ($56,340 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Truck Driver | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stocker and Order Filler in KY | $36,810 | -34.7% | $17.70/hr |
| Computer User Support Specialist in KY | $57,850 | +2.7% | $27.81/hr |
| Producer and Director in KY | $54,550 | -3.2% | $26.23/hr |
| Mental Health Counselor in KY | $54,190 | -3.8% | $26.05/hr |
| Rehabilitation Counselor in KY | $58,540 | +3.9% | $28.14/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in KY | $58,610 | +4.0% | $28.18/hr |
| Securities Sales Agent in KY | $59,110 | +4.9% | $28.42/hr |
| Interior Designer in KY | $59,240 | +5.1% | $28.48/hr |
| Editor in KY | $59,430 | +5.5% | $28.57/hr |
| Graphic Designer in KY | $52,960 | -6.0% | $25.46/hr |
| Electrician in KY | $59,720 | +6.0% | $28.71/hr |
| Title Examiner in KY | $52,860 | -6.2% | $25.41/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Truck Driver in Kentucky?
- In Kentucky, the salary for a Truck Driver generally falls between $38,670 and $85,630 per year. This means that most drivers earn within this broad spectrum, with the median pay being $56,340.
How does the average Truck Driver pay in Kentucky compare to the national average?
- The average Truck Driver salary in Kentucky is 3.3% less than the national average. While the median pay in Kentucky is $56,340 per year, the national median is higher.
What are the highest and lowest salaries a Truck Driver can expect in Kentucky?
- The upper end of the salary range for a Truck Driver in Kentucky is $85,630 per year, while the lower end is $38,670 annually. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and employer.
How many Truck Drivers are employed in Kentucky?
- There are approximately 31,760 Truck Drivers employed in Kentucky. This significant number highlights the demand for transportation professionals within the state.