Updated July 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Lafayette, Louisiana (July 2026)
Lafayette, Louisiana CDL drivers average $2,675 per week, median $2,050, as of July 2026. Pay varies meaningfully by hiring type — the breakdown by W2, owner-op, and 1099 is below. Based on 1,336 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 31% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $1,973. 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 July 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 Lafayette, Louisiana
Across active CDL postings in Lafayette, 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) | $2,241 | $2,050 | 628 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,630 | $1,600 | 379 |
| Owner Operator | $7,306 | $7,500 | 329 |
Source: Lanefinder index, July 2026
How drivers spend their time on the road in Lafayette, Louisiana
9% of Lafayette, Louisiana's active CDL postings are regional and 90% are OTR; local plus semi-local accounts for the rest (1%).
Across Lafayette, Louisiana CDL postings: 2% with guaranteed pay, 26% dedicated, 89% take-truck-home, 71% pet-friendly, 68% riders-allowed.
How Lafayette, Louisiana compares to Louisiana
| Lafayette, Louisiana | Louisiana | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,675 | $2,470 | +8% |
| OTR (long-haul) routes | 90% | 85% | +5 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, July 2026
The largest gap is on average weekly pay: Lafayette, Louisiana sits 8% above the Louisiana baseline.
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 Lafayette, Louisiana
- Best owner-operator companies in Lafayette, Louisiana
- CDL driver salary in Louisiana
The methodology behind the rankings
Compensation is the largest single weight at 30% — pay percentile, sign-on bonus, guaranteed-pay availability, and settlement cadence. FMCSA safety contributes 25%, built from five SAFER dimensions with unsafe-driving and hours-of-service weighted 2× heavier. Benefits contribute 25%, scored separately for W2 versus owner-operator and 1099 carriers. Operational performance — application responsiveness and fleet scale — contributes 20%. Updated July 2026.