There are numerous reasons why a trucker might change their place of residence. While traveling, you encounter various sceneries, climates, and living conditions. Sometimes you find yourself in a place that you are so interested in, and you decide to move there. You may be attracted by the locals’ way of life, the natural environment, or the level of safety. Additionally, you may feel that the location is favorable in terms of earning a living, developing professionally, and raising a family.
Often, a combination of these factors ultimately determines the decision. We have collected the latest information regarding the best states for truck drivers in the year 2026. If you are looking for a new start in your life, read on to learn about the best solutions:
10 Best States for Truckers to Live
In big countries, such as the U.S., there are regions where huge trucker communities were established. These communities can be based on longstanding historical traditions or influenced by passing industry trends. In any case, there is a compilation of acknowledged criteria based on tradition or that points out the best states for truck drivers. These include:
- Unfilled driver jobs (demand)
- Pay range (average + low/high)
- BLS location quotient (trucking job concentration/ nationathatnationall average)
If you’re going to be making a long-term move, it’s useful to get an idea of how owner-operators set up income and expenses.
Based on these factors, the best states for truck drivers to live in 2026 are the topnational 20 states forthe top truck masses:
1. Pennsylvania
This Northeastern state is known for having a richness of job opportunities for truckers. BLS has estimated the location quotient as 1.43. PA has agreeable taxes; therefore, many people choose to base their truck businesses there.
2. Illinois
It is another important logistics center. Illinois is a key intersection point for vital communications in the country, and the local government provides various financial incentives for the trucking industry. It is considered prestigious for a trucker to reside in Chicago or the areas outside the city.
3. Kentucky
The state has one of the highest BLS quotients—with a 2.03. Various industries have been under development there, which is why the demand for drivers is insane. Moreover, most cities in KY are known for their safety and high quality of life. Truckers sometimes move there with their entire families.
4. Montana
Montana can attract drivers who like first-class miles with a lower cost of living. It’s a good match for those who desire steady work in a region and a slower pace than those who need to work down in major metro hubs.
5. Nevada
The state is the twelfth highest employer of truck drivers in America. It is a smart choice to move to NV since you are relatively close to the West Coast but have a lower cost of living than California and other coastal states.
6. North Dakota
It is believed to be a perfect condition for a flatbed driver to live and work in. The location quotient comes to 1.91, and the salary earned annually by flatbed drivers is $67,193.
7. Ohio
Ohio is traditionally on the list of best states for truck drivers. Its great location and unlimited job opportunities speak for themselves. There are currently about 15,000 unfilled positions in OH.
8. Kansas
It is not as popular as the other states, but it is convenient to live in if you want to cover different areas and be flexible. KS lies in the very middle of the country, which renders it convenient to make delivery to any remote region.
9. Vermont
VT provides the eleventh-highest number of jobs for a driver and can boast beautiful nature attractions.
10. Indiana
Last, but not least, the state has a location quotient of 1.69 and a very dynamic business landscape. It is a paradise for the youthful aspiring drivers, as it has a huge number of training programs and other modes of professional growth.
Best Paying States for Truck Drivers
A competitive salary is one of the major attractions for drivers to relocate to another city or state. Although there are up-to-date statistics on the wages in the entire country, we also recommend taking into account side factors, such as the cost of living, state tax policy, and tolls for freight transport. Investigate the information very well before venturing into a new place. See the table below to get a hold of the best-paying states for truck drivers.
The numbers below are consistent with larger trends in truck driver pay by role and specialization.
Pay per lane and endorsements, company, and cost of living are all factors that vary the pay, so use the table as a directional value; no guarantee.
| Place | State | Average salary | Lowest 10% Earn | Highest 10% Earn |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Kentucky | $68,577 | $44,000 | $101,000 |
| 2. | Pennsylvania | $68,232 | $45,000 | $101,000 |
| 3. | Indiana | $67,338 | $45,000 | $98,000 |
| 4. | Delaware | $70,901 | $47,000 | $106,000 |
| 5. | Mississippi | $66,365 | $44,000 | $99,000 |
| 6. | Ohio | $65,665 | $44,000 | $96,000 |
| 7. | Oklahoma | $67,261 | $45,000 | $99,000 |
| 8. | Rhode Island | $70,834 | $47,000 | $105,000 |
| 9. | Wisconsin | $66,857 | $45,000 | $97,000 |
| 10. | Arkansas | $65,794 | $44,000 | $97,000 |
Conclusion
People who take a trucking career have an adventurous spirit. Choosing the best state to live in as a truck driver doesn’t come down to just pay—it’s also about the job density, activity in the freight space, cost of living, and how easy it is to be booked for the entire year.
Choosing the right state is only one part of the equation. Consistent freight, smart lane choice, and operational planning are ultimately between your income, whether it is stable or not—wherever you live.
For drivers that prefer to have a structured approach to loading and a consistent weekly freight, check out our dispatch services for owner-operators.