Truck Driver Salary in Arkansas 2026
The average truck driver salary in Arkansas is $1,563 per week as of 2026 — that's approximately $81,276 annually (or about $39.08 per hour) for qualified CDL drivers.
Truck driver salary in Arkansas, 2026
How much does a Truck Driver make in Arkansas?
Arkansas Salary Snapshot
Arkansas Truck Driver Pay at a Glance
Real wage data for Arkansas pulled together in one clear view, so you know exactly what to expect before you get behind the wheel. From entry-level to top earners, wages span $40.7k – $162.3k annually.
$81,276
Average Salary
$1,563
Average Weekly Pay
$39.08
Average Hourly Pay
$162.3k+
Top Earners
Arkansas City Breakdown
Truck Driver Salary by Arkansas City
Pay varies across the state. Compare average earnings in major Arkansas cities to find where your driving career pays the most – based on real Indeed data and regional market trends.
Little Rock
$84,200/yr
Fayetteville
$83,500/yr
Fort Smith
$81,000/yr
Jonesboro
$80,400/yr
Springdale
$78,600/yr
Conway
$76,900/yr
Pay by Role
Arkansas Salary by Driver Type
Earnings shift depending on the type of driving you do. Compare Arkansas‑specific role averages to find the route that fits your income goals and lifestyle.
OTR Driver
$87,300/yr avg
Long-haul routes across multiple states, offering the highest earning potential in trucking.
View JobsRegional Driver
$82,400/yr avg
Multi-state routes within a defined region, balancing solid pay with more time at home.
View JobsLocal Driver
$73,900/yr avg
Short daily routes within a city or nearby area, ideal for drivers who want to be home every night.
View JobsDedicated Driver
$85,400/yr avg
Consistent routes for a single client, delivering predictable schedules and reliable income.
View JobsFlatbed Driver
$89,600/yr avg
Hauls oversized and open-deck freight, commanding premium pay for specialized skill.
View JobsHazmat Driver
$100,300/yr avg
Transports hazardous materials and earns the highest average pay for certified specialists.
View JobsWhat Affects Truck Driver Salary in Arkansas?
Truck driver pay isn't determined by a single factor. This dashboard highlights the key elements that influence earnings in Arkansas and shows where drivers can maximize their income.
Competitive Earnings in Arkansas
Arkansas truck drivers earn an average of $1,563 per week ($81,276/year), which is 6% below the national average. Drivers with endorsements, dedicated routes, and strong safety records still have the opportunity to earn at the top of the range — up to $162,300 annually.
Experience
18%Route Type
24%CDL Endorsements
31%Miles Driven
21%Company
16%Driving Record
27%Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about truck driver pay in Arkansas, answered in plain terms — based on real Indeed data.
What is the average truck driver salary in Arkansas?
The average truck driver in Arkansas earns around $81,276 per year, which breaks down to roughly $1,563 per week or ~$39.08 per hour (based on a 40-hour week). Pay varies based on route type, experience, and the company you drive for. Arkansas salaries are 6% below the national average, and drivers with specialized endorsements can earn well over the average — with top earners reaching up to $162,300 annually.
Which Arkansas city pays truck drivers the most?
Little Rock leads the state with an average salary of $84,200 per year, driven by its status as the state capital and major logistics hub. Other high‑paying cities include Fayetteville ($83,500) — above the state average due to its growing industrial base and distribution centers — and Fort Smith ($81,000), which aligns closely with the state average. Jonesboro ($80,400) sits slightly below average, while Springdale ($78,600) and Conway ($76,900) fall further below. The highest‑paying companies in Arkansas often specialize in dedicated OTR routes and hazmat freight, particularly around the Little Rock logistics hub, the Fort Smith freight corridor, the I-40 and I-30 highway networks, and the growing distribution centers in Northwest Arkansas (Fayetteville–Springdale–Rogers).
Do local drivers make more than OTR drivers?
Generally no. OTR drivers tend to earn more overall because of higher mileage and longer routes, while local drivers trade some income for the benefit of being home every day. In Arkansas, specialized OTR routes — especially those servicing the state's major freight corridors along I-40, I-30, and routes connecting to the Midwest and Texas — can significantly boost earnings well beyond the state average.
Does experience affect truck driver salary?
Yes, significantly. Drivers with several years of clean‑record experience often qualify for premium routes and specialized freight, which can raise annual pay well above the $81,276 Arkansas average. Top earners in Arkansas can make up to $162,300 per year.
How can truck drivers earn more in Arkansas?
Adding CDL endorsements (hazmat, tanker, doubles/triples), taking on flatbed or specialized freight, driving more miles, and maintaining a clean safety record are the fastest ways to increase earnings. Top Arkansas companies offer salaries well above the state average for experienced drivers with the right credentials, especially in key logistics hubs like the Little Rock freight hub, the Fort Smith corridor, the I-40 and I-30 highway networks, and the growing distribution centers in Northwest Arkansas.
Are CDL endorsements worth it?
In most cases, yes. Endorsements like hazmat or tanker require extra testing but open access to specialized freight that pays noticeably more than standard routes. In Arkansas, hazmat drivers can earn well above the state average of $81,276, with top earners reaching up to $162,300 annually — especially those servicing the state's major freight corridors along I-40 and I-30, and the growing distribution networks in Little Rock, Fort Smith, and Northwest Arkansas.
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