Average Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary in Lafayette, LA
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Lafayette, LA, earn an average annual salary of $55,050. This figure is slightly below the national average of $58,380, suggesting that while demand exists, local economic factors and potentially a slightly lower cost of doing business contribute to this compensation. Understanding these local nuances is key for drivers operating in this region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $55,050 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $69,960.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 2,540 Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers, Lafayette, LA, demonstrates a significant presence in this sector. The Location Quotient of 1.08 indicates a concentration of these roles that is slightly higher than the national average, suggesting a robust and perhaps growing demand for trucking services within the region, supporting the existing workforce size.
Salary Overview
The average Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Lafayette, LA earns-5.7%below the national average.
$26.5
$1,059
$4,588
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Lafayette is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in the region have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increased shipping demands, rising operational costs, and efforts to attract and retain qualified drivers likely contribute to a positive salary trajectory.
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary Distribution in Lafayette, LA
Salary progression for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Lafayette, LA, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized certifications can command significantly higher salaries. The difference between entry-level and senior-level pay, often reflected in salary percentiles, signifies substantial career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $35,800 | $17.2 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $41,288 | $19.8 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $49,200 | $23.7 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $68,813 | $33.1 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $69,960 | $33.6 |
Detailed Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$55,050
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$55,050
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $55,050 in Lafayette, LA, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, which is indexed at 100. This means that the purchasing power of a truck driver's salary in Lafayette is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment where earnings can meet typical living expenses without significant strain.
Job Market Context
2,540
Total Jobs
14.445
Per 1K Jobs
1.08
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.08, Lafayette, LA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.08 for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Lafayette, LA, signifies a job market that is slightly more concentrated with these professionals compared to the national average. This suggests a healthy demand for truck drivers in the area, potentially indicating a competitive environment where employers actively seek skilled individuals to fill their roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge, LA Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary | $55,610↑ 1% | 56 mi |
| Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary | $41,590↓ 24% | 67 mi |
| Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary | $44,400↓ 19% | 67 mi |
| Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary | $44,400↓ 19% | 67 mi |
| Lake Charles, LA Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary | $53,100↓ 4% | 70 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lafayette, LA
Hiring Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driverss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers make in Lafayette, LA?
The median annual salary for a Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Lafayette, LA is $55,050. This typically ranges from $35,800 for entry-level positions to $69,960 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lafayette, LA is 5.7% lower than the national median of $58,380.
Is Lafayette, LA a lucrative place for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers?
Yes, Lafayette, LA offers a competitive environment for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning purchasing power is maintained. Furthermore, a Location Quotient above 1.0 indicates a strong concentration of these jobs, suggesting consistent demand.
Is Lafayette, LA a good place to live for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers?
The Cost of Living Index in Lafayette, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lafayette, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Baton Rouge, LA ($55,610) and Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area.
How does Lafayette's truck driver salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Lafayette, LA, is $55,050, which is slightly lower than the national average of $58,380.
What is the cost of living in Lafayette, LA for truck drivers?
Lafayette, LA, has a cost of living index of 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How many truck drivers are there in Lafayette, LA?
There are approximately 2,540 Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers employed in Lafayette, LA, representing 14.445 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local economy.
Is the job market for truck drivers strong in Lafayette, LA?
Yes, the job market appears strong, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.08, which means the concentration of truck drivers is slightly higher than the national average, suggesting robust local demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,540 employees in the Lafayette, LA area with a job density of 14.445 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Lafayette, LA