Heavy Truck Driver in Little Rock, AR

The Salary Picture: Where Little Rock Stands

As a local, I can tell you that the pay for heavy truck drivers in Little Rock is respectable for the region, though it sits just below the national average. The landscape here is stable, not booming, but that’s actually a good thing for drivers looking for steady work without the extreme competition you might find in bigger logistics hubs like Dallas or Memphis. The metro area supports 815 jobs for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers, which means there’s a solid base of opportunities without the market being oversaturated.

Let’s break down the earning potential by experience level. These figures are based on local data and industry standards for the region.

Experience-Level Earnings Breakdown

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range	Key Roles & Notes
Entry-Level (CDL-A, <2 years)	$40,000 - $48,000	Local delivery, yard jockey, or regional routes. Often starts with shorter hauls to build experience.
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$48,000 - $55,000	OTR (Over-the-Road) regional, dedicated accounts, or specialized hauling. This is where you hit the median salary of $51,353.
Senior (5-10 years)	$55,000 - $65,000	Mentor roles, complex tanker/hazmat routes, or lead driver for a dedicated fleet.
Expert/Owner-Op (10+ years)	$65,000 - $85,000+	Owner-operators with their own authority, or top-tier company drivers in niche sectors like refrigerated goods or specialized equipment.

Local Insight: While the national average is $53,090, the lower cost of living in Little Rock means your dollar goes further. Many drivers I've spoken with prioritize consistent home time over chasing the absolute highest per-mile pay, and the local job market supports that preference.

How Little Rock Compares to Other Arkansas Cities

Little Rock is the largest employment center for truck drivers in the state, but it's not the highest-paying. That title often goes to Northwest Arkansas (Fayetteville/Bentonville), where corporate logistics hubs for Walmart and Tyson create intense competition for drivers. Here’s a quick comparison to give you context.

City / Metro Area	Median Annual Salary	Job Market Size	Cost of Living Pressure
Little Rock	$51,353	815 jobs	Low-Medium
Northwest AR (Fay/Bent)	~$52,500 - $56,000	~1,200+ jobs	High (due to rapid growth)
Fort Smith	~$48,000 - $50,000	~350 jobs	Low
Jonesboro	~$47,000 - $49,000	~250 jobs	Low

Bottom Line: Little Rock offers a "sweet spot." You won't get the absolute top dollar like in NWA, but you avoid the high rent and traffic congestion. The job growth is a modest but steady 4% over 10 years, indicating a stable, non-volatile market.

---

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the math. A median salary of $51,353 sounds good, but what’s left after Uncle Sam and the landlord? In Arkansas, you have state income tax (graduated from 0% to 5.5%), which is a key factor.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget for a single driver earning the median wage.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Median Salary: $51,353)

Expense Category	Monthly Cost	Annual Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$4,279	$51,353	Based on median salary.
Taxes (Est. 25% combined)	-$1,070	-$12,838	Includes federal, state (5.5% bracket), FICA.
Net Monthly Income	$3,209	$38,515	Your take-home pay.
Average 1BR Rent	-$950	-$11,400	Statewide average; varies by neighborhood.
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	-$180	-$2,160	Mild winters help keep heating costs down.
Groceries & Essentials	-$400	-$4,800
Health Insurance (if not covered)	-$300	-$3,600	Estimate for a solo plan.
Vehicle Insurance & Fuel	-$250	-$3,000	For personal vehicle; company may cover fuel.
Misc. & Savings	-$1,129	-$13,548	Remaining for savings, debt, or leisure.

Insider Tip: The Cost of Living Index is 89.1 (US avg = 100). This is your biggest advantage. A $950/month rent for a clean 1-bedroom in a safe area is very attainable. In a comparable city on the coast, that same rent would be easily $1,500+, meaning you'd have much less disposable income.

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?

Yes, absolutely. This is where Little Rock really shines for a skilled tradesperson. With a median home price around $215,000 (as of recent data), a driver earning the median $51,353 is in a strong position. A standard 20% down payment is $43,000, which is ambitious but possible over a few years of dedicated saving given your low rent and low overall expenses.

A more common path is a 3-5% down payment on an FHA loan (e.g., $6,500 - $10,750). With your net monthly income of ~$3,209, a mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) of $1,200 - $1,400 would keep you under the recommended 30% of income. Neighborhoods like Hillcrest or Park Hill offer good starter home options.

---

Where the Jobs Are: Little Rock's Major Employers

The job market is anchored by a mix of national carriers, local distributors, and healthcare logistics. Here are the key players.

1. ABF Freight System: Headquartered in nearby Fort Smith but a massive employer in Little Rock. They are a union shop (Teamsters) and a top choice for drivers seeking higher pay and benefits. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a focus on experienced drivers for their regional and OTR networks.
2. J.B. Hunt Transport Services: This is one of the largest employers in the state. They have a major dedicated division based in Little Rock, serving clients like Walmart. Hiring Trend: High volume, but competitive. They prioritize drivers with clean records and some experience.
3. Old Dominion Freight Line: A premier LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) carrier with a strong terminal in Little Rock (off I-30). Known for excellent pay and on-time performance. Hiring Trend: Consistent hiring for linehaul and city driver positions. Their "Town-to-Town" service is a key local operation.
4. Sysco (or Performance Food Group): Foodservice distribution is huge in Little Rock. These are local, often overnight, routes delivering to restaurants, schools, and hospitals (like UAMS and Baptist Health). Hiring Trend: Always needs drivers for their demanding but predictable local routes.
5. Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield / Major Healthcare Systems: The healthcare sector is a massive logistics user. Companies like Medline or Cardinal Health have distribution centers servicing the medical corridor along I-630 and near St. Vincent Infirmary and Arkansas Children's Hospital. Hiring Trend: Growing need for drivers who can handle medical supply deliveries with care and timeliness.
6. PepsiCo (Pepsi Beverages Co.): They have a large bottling and distribution center in the John Barrow area. Local route driving for Pepsi is a classic, stable job. Hiring Trend: Regular turnover creates openings, especially for drivers who can handle the physicality of beverage delivery.

Insider Tip: The Port of Little Rock is an often-overlooked hub. It's an inland port on the Arkansas River with rail connections. Companies like AEP/ American Electric Power and various bulk material shippers operate there, creating jobs for drivers with tanker or bulk hauling experience.

---

Getting Licensed in AR

The process is straightforward, but Arkansas has specific steps you must follow.

Step-by-Step Guide & Costs

1. Obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP):

   • Requirements: Must be at least 18 for intrastate (AR-only) driving, 21 for interstate (OTR). Pass the written knowledge test for CDL-A (including endorsements like Tanker, Hazmat, Doubles/Triples).
   • Cost: $25 for the CLP application fee (Arkansas State Police, Revenue Division). Study guides are free from the Arkansas State Police website.
   • Timeline: 1-2 weeks to study and pass the test.

2. Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT):

   • Federal Requirement: As of February 2022, all new CDL-A applicants must complete a registered ELDT program. This is a minimum of 150 hours of classroom and behind-the-wheel training.
   • Cost: $3,500 - $6,000 at a local CDL school (e.g., Roadmaster Drivers School, Arkansas CDL Training). Some companies (like J.B. Hunt) have tuition reimbursement programs if you sign a contract.
   • Timeline: 4-8 weeks, depending on the program.

3. Skills Test:

   • Components: Pre-trip inspection, basic control skills (backing), and on-road driving test.
   • Cost: $50 - $100 for testing fees.
   • Timeline: Schedule at an approved third-party testing site (often the CDL school itself) after your ELDT is complete.

4. Apply for Your CDL-A:

   • Cost: $25 for the new license issuance.
   • Total Estimated Cost (without company sponsorship): $3,600 - $6,150.

Pro Tip: Many local carriers, especially in foodservice (Sysco) or dedicated accounts (J.B. Hunt), offer CDL-A sponsorship. You get your training for free (or a reduced cost) in exchange for a 1- or 2-year work commitment. This is the most common entry path for new drivers in Little Rock.

---

The Long Game: Career Growth in Little Rock

A CDL-A is a ticket to a career, not just a job. Here’s how you can advance your earnings and role from the Little Rock base.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths

Specialty / Path	Typical Pay Premium	How to Get There in Little Rock
Hazmat (H) Endorsement	+$5,000 - $10,000/year	Take the written test and a TSA background check (~$86.50). Essential for fuel, chemical, and certain medical hauls.
Tanker (N) Endorsement	+$3,000 - $7,000/year	Required for liquid bulk (e.g., for local food-grade or chemical distributors). Often paired with Hazmat for maximum pay.
Doubles/Triples (T) Endorsement	+$2,000 - $5,000/year	Used for intermodal work at the Port of Little Rock or with JIT (Just-In-Time) manufacturing logistics.
Dedicated Account Driver	+$1,000 - $4,000/year	Route-based pay with predictable schedules. Common with J.B. Hunt, Walmart, or local grocery chains.
Driver Trainer / Mentor	+$2,000 - $6,000/year	Requires 3-5 years of accident-free experience. You train new hires for your company.
Owner-Operator	Variable profit	Highest risk/reward. Requires owning your truck, managing expenses, and finding contracts. More common after 5+ years.

10-Year Outlook: The 4% job growth doesn’t scream "explosive," but it indicates resilience. The rise of e-commerce will keep demand for last-mile and regional delivery steady. Automation is coming, but it’s unlikely to replace drivers in complex urban environments like Little Rock (with its hills, river crossings, and tight streets) within the next decade. Your value will be in safety, reliability, and specialized skills (like Hazmat or refrigerated goods).

Insider Tip: Many local drivers build long-term careers by finding a "sweet spot" role: a dedicated route for a Sysco or a healthcare distributor. These jobs often offer regular home time (you're in your own bed most nights) and pay at or above the median, with benefits. It’s a sustainable lifestyle, not just a gig.

---

The Verdict: Is Little Rock Right for You?

This table summarizes the key decision factors for a heavy truck driver considering Little Rock.

Pros (The Good)	Cons (The Challenges)
Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes further. $950/month rent and a Cost of Living Index of 89.1 mean financial stability.	Lower Ceiling: Salaries are below national average and top markets like NWA or Memphis.
Stable Job Market: 815 jobs with 4% growth offer security. Major employers are established, not fly-by-night.	Summer Heat & Humidity: Arkansas summers are brutal. In-cab A/C is a must, and unloading in 95°F heat is no joke.
Good Home Time: A centralized location allows for many regional routes with weekly home time.	Traffic Congestion: I-630 and I-30 can get clogged during rush hour. Route planning is essential.
Diverse Opportunities: From healthcare logistics to foodservice to port work, you're not locked into one sector.	Limited Nightlife/Scenery: Not a major entertainment hub. If you crave constant new experiences, it may feel quiet.
Accessible Housing: You can afford a decent apartment or even a small house on a driver's salary.	State Income Tax: While low, it's still a deduction from your take-home pay.

Final Recommendation:
Little Rock is an excellent choice for drivers who value stability, affordability, and quality of life over chasing the absolute highest pay. It's ideal for mid-career drivers looking to buy a home, start a family, or escape the high costs and congestion of larger coastal cities. It’s also a smart starting point for new drivers who can secure a company-sponsored CDL. If you're a top-tier OTR driver seeking max earnings, you might look to NWA or cross-country. But for 90% of drivers, Little Rock offers a compelling, sustainable career path.

---

FAQs

1. What’s the weather really like for driving?
Arkansas has four distinct seasons. Winters are generally mild but can have ice storms (especially in Jan/Feb). The real challenge is summer: from June to August, temperatures regularly hit 95°F+ with high humidity. Insider Tip: Your truck's A/C is a non-negotiable. Also, route planning around summer thunderstorms is a key skill here.

2. Are there good truck stops near Little Rock?
Yes. The I-40/I-30 interchange (the "Little Rock Cross") has several major stops like Love's Travel Stop (on I-40 at Exit 146) and TA Petro (on I-30 at Exit 126). These are well-equipped for showers, repairs, and parking. For local drivers, the Pilot Travel Center off Asher Ave is a common refueling spot.

3. How is the DOT enforcement in Arkansas?
It’s active. Arkansas State Police have dedicated Commercial Vehicle Enforcement units. You’ll see weigh stations on I-40 (west of the city) and I-30 (east of the city). Pro Tip: Arkansas is not a "friendly" state for HOS violations. They are strict on logbooks and inspections. Always be compliant.

4. Can I live outside Little Rock and commute?
Absolutely. Many drivers live in Maumelle (15-20 min west), Bryant (20 min south), or Sherwood (15 min north). These suburbs offer slightly lower rents and quieter neighborhoods while keeping you within a reasonable commute to major employers’ terminals. Maumelle is particularly popular for its planned community vibe and easy access to I-40.

5. Is there a strong trucking community?
Yes, but it's more professional and less "scene"-oriented than in huge hubs. The community is built around terminals and regular stops. The Arkansas Trucking Association has events, and local truck stops are social hubs. You'll find camaraderie at places like