Updated May 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Alexandria, Louisiana (May 2026)
In Alexandria, Louisiana as of May 2026, the average weekly CDL pay is $2,686 with a median of $2,000. Both figures are computed against currently-active job postings, not historical surveys. Based on 1,370 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 30% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,088. Louisiana handles some of the highest freight tonnage in the US through the Port of New Orleans and Port of South Louisiana on the lower Mississippi, with heavy petrochemical and energy freight on I-10 / I-20 / I-49.
What changed in May 2026
We just started tracking monthly changes for this view. Check back next month to see how rankings have shifted.
How CDL pay breaks down in Alexandria, Louisiana
Across active CDL postings in Alexandria, Louisiana this month, pay varies meaningfully by hiring type. The breakdown below shows the average and median weekly pay for each.
| Hiring type | Avg/wk | Median/wk | Active postings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Independent Contractor (1099) | $2,226 | $2,000 | 629 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,619 | $1,600 | 398 |
| Owner Operator | $7,254 | $7,250 | 343 |
Source: Lanefinder index, May 2026
Lane mix and benefits across Alexandria, Louisiana
10% of Alexandria, Louisiana's active CDL postings are regional and 89% are OTR; local plus semi-local accounts for the rest (1%).
Across Alexandria, Louisiana CDL postings: 1% with guaranteed pay, 26% dedicated, 90% take-truck-home, 72% pet-friendly, 70% riders-allowed.
How Alexandria, Louisiana compares to Louisiana
Among the figures above, average weekly pay is where Alexandria, Louisiana differs most from Louisiana — 5% above statewide.
Driving CDL in Louisiana
Louisiana handles some of the highest freight tonnage in the US through the Port of New Orleans and the Port of South Louisiana on the lower Mississippi. Petrochemical and energy freight on I-10 / I-20 / I-49 is the dominant industrial segment. Hurricane season (June-November) drives both shutdowns and rebound-rate spikes; insurance premiums are correspondingly elevated. Louisiana has a low-to-moderate graduated state income tax. New Orleans bridge restrictions and Atchafalaya Basin weather can complicate route planning. Cost of living is below the national average.
Related guides
- Best trucking companies in Alexandria, Louisiana
- Best owner-operator companies in Alexandria, Louisiana
- CDL driver salary in Louisiana
The methodology behind the rankings
Lanefinder's ranking algorithm weights compensation at 30%, FMCSA SAFER safety at 25%, benefits at 25%, and operational performance at 20%. Compensation reflects pay percentile plus sign-on bonus, guaranteed pay, and settlement-frequency adjustments. Benefits scoring is hiring-type-aware. Operational performance comes mostly from how carriers handle real driver applications. Updated May 2026.