Average Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in the East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $50,160. This figure is notably below the national average of $58,380, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially lower operational costs. The specific pay scale in this area is influenced by the local demand for transportation services and the overall economic landscape of nonmetropolitan regions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $50,160 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $72,180.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,080 Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers, the East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area demonstrates a stable presence in this sector. The Location Quotient of 0.87 suggests a concentration slightly below the national average, indicating a moderate but not overwhelmingly saturated job market. The rate of 11.692 jobs per 1,000 workers further supports the notion of consistent demand for these essential roles within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-14.1%below the national average.
$24.1
$965
$4,180
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise region isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Factors such as increased demand for goods, rising operational costs for trucking companies, and efforts to attract and retain drivers have likely contributed to salary growth, even in nonmetropolitan areas.
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary Distribution in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive driving records and specialized certifications can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings within this occupation signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding accumulated expertise and reliability.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $30,680 | $14.8 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $37,620 | $18.1 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $47,280 | $22.7 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $62,700 | $30.1 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $72,180 | $34.7 |
Detailed Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$50,160
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$50,160
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $50,160 in East Kentucky's nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a truck driver's salary in this region is comparable to that of a driver in a national average cost-of-living area. While the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the equivalent cost of living suggests that the take-home pay may offer similar lifestyle affordability.
Job Market Context
1,080
Total Jobs
11.692
Per 1K Jobs
0.87
Location Quotient
East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has 0.87x the national average concentration of Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
The Location Quotient of 0.87 for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in East Kentucky's nonmetropolitan area indicates that this occupation is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, the market is not oversaturated, potentially offering a balanced environment for job seekers. It implies a steady demand without an excessive surplus of available drivers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary | $61,940↑ 23% | 28 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary | $52,960↑ 6% | 66 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary | $63,710↑ 27% | 72 mi |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary | $63,560↑ 27% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driverss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers make in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $50,160. This typically ranges from $30,680 for entry-level positions to $72,180 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 14.1% lower than the national median of $58,380.
Is East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $50,160 is below the national average of $58,380, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers?
The Cost of Living Index in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($61,940) and Elizabethtown, KY.
How does the East Kentucky salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in East Kentucky is $50,160, which is $8,220 less than the national average of $58,380.
What is the concentration of truck drivers in East Kentucky?
The Location Quotient is 0.87, meaning the concentration of Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in this area is slightly below the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in East Kentucky?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $50,160 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower in nominal terms.
How many truck drivers are employed in East Kentucky?
There are approximately 1,080 Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers employed in the East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,080 employees in the East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 11.692 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salaries by State
Top Jobs in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- All Occupations Salary in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Management Occupations Salary in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
- Browse All Jobs in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area