Truck Driver salary in Kentucky
Truck drivers in Kentucky earn a median $56,340 a year, 4% below the national median of $58,640. That ranks #39 of 51 states. After taxes, a single filer keeps about $45,595.
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, SOC 53-3032. Taxes for tax year 2026.
| Yearly | Monthly | Every 2 weeks | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $56,340 | $4,695 | $2,167 | $27.09 |
| Average pay | $59,870 | $4,989 | $2,303 | $28.78 |
| Take-home (median) | $45,595 | $3,800 | $1,754 | $21.92 |
Where the money goes
| Item | Per year |
|---|---|
| Federal income tax | $4,581 |
| Social Security and Medicare | $4,310 |
| Kentucky income tax | $1,854 |
| Take-home | $45,595 |
Kentucky's prices are 10% below the U.S. average, so the median take-home buys what $50,572 buys in an average-priced state. The Kentucky minimum wage is $7.25; the median truck driver earns 3.7 times that.
Truck Driver pay in Kentucky vs. neighboring states
| State | Median salary | Take-home | Buying power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $56,340 | $45,595 | $50,572 |
| Illinois | $60,320 | $47,806 | $47,826 |
| Indiana | $60,290 | $48,874 | $52,367 |
| Missouri | $54,550 | $44,384 | $48,872 |
| Ohio | $59,800 | $49,367 | $53,212 |
| Tennessee | $58,620 | $49,281 | $53,642 |
| Virginia | $56,860 | $45,412 | $44,916 |
| West Virginia | $49,480 | $40,515 | $45,270 |
Frequently asked questions
- How much do truck drivers make in Kentucky?
- The median salary is $56,340 a year ($27.09 an hour), and the average is $59,870, per BLS data for May 2025.
- How much do truck drivers take home in Kentucky?
- About $45,595 a year after federal and Kentucky taxes, or $1,754 every two weeks, for a single filer at the median salary.
- Do truck drivers earn more in Kentucky than the national average?
- Kentucky ranks #39 of 51 for median pay, 4% below the U.S. median of $58,640. Adjusted for prices and taxes it ranks #12.