Truck Driver Salary in Mississippi 2026
The average truck driver salary in Mississippi is $1,668 per week as of 2026 — that's $86,736 annually for qualified CDL drivers.
Truck driver salary in Mississippi, 2026
How much does a Truck Driver make in Mississippi?
Mississippi Salary Snapshot
Mississippi Truck Driver Pay at a Glance
Real wage data for Mississippi pulled together in one clear view, so you know exactly what to expect before you get behind the wheel.
$86,736
Average Salary
$1,668
Average Weekly Pay
$41.70
Average Hourly Pay
$144.4k+
Top Earners
Mississippi City Breakdown
Truck Driver Salary by Mississippi City
Pay varies across the state. Compare average earnings in major Mississippi cities to find where your driving career pays the most – based on real Indeed data.
Jackson
$92,000/yr
Southaven
$89,000/yr
Gulfport
$86,500/yr
Hattiesburg
$84,500/yr
Tupelo
$81,000/yr
Meridian
$78,000/yr
Pay by Role
Mississippi Salary by Driver Type
Earnings shift depending on the type of driving you do. Compare Mississippi‑specific role averages to find the route that fits your income goals and lifestyle.
OTR Driver
$90,000/yr avg
Long-haul routes across multiple states, offering the highest earning potential in trucking.
View JobsRegional Driver
$81,500/yr avg
Multi-state routes within a defined region, balancing solid pay with more time at home.
View JobsLocal Driver
$74,000/yr avg
Short daily routes within a city or nearby area, ideal for drivers who want to be home every night.
View JobsDedicated Driver
$84,500/yr avg
Consistent routes for a single client, delivering predictable schedules and reliable income.
View JobsFlatbed Driver
$92,500/yr avg
Hauls oversized and open-deck freight, commanding premium pay for specialized skill.
View JobsHazmat Driver
$96,000/yr avg
Transports hazardous materials and earns the highest average pay for certified specialists.
View JobsWhat Affects Truck Driver Salary?
Truck driver pay isn't determined by a single factor. This dashboard highlights the key elements that influence earnings in Mississippi and shows where drivers can maximize their income.
Competitive Earnings in Mississippi
Mississippi truck drivers earn an average of $1,668 per week ($86,736/year), which is right in line with the national average. Drivers with endorsements, dedicated routes, and strong safety records still have the opportunity to earn at the top of the range.
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 Mississippi, answered in plain terms — based on real Indeed data.
What is the average truck driver salary in Mississippi?
The average truck driver in Mississippi earns around $86,736 per year, which breaks down to roughly $1,668 per week or ~$41.70 per hour (based on a 40-hour week). Pay varies based on route type, experience, and the company you drive for. Mississippi salaries are on par with the national average, and drivers with specialized endorsements can earn well into the six-figure range — with top earners reaching over $144,400 annually.
Which Mississippi city pays truck drivers the most?
Jackson leads the state with an average salary of $92,000 per year, driven by its status as the state capital and largest metro area. Other high‑paying cities include Southaven ($89,000), Gulfport ($86,500), and Hattiesburg ($84,500), which is close to the state average. Tupelo ($81,000) and Meridian ($78,000) sit below the state average. The highest‑paying companies in Mississippi often specialize in dedicated OTR routes and hazmat freight, particularly around the Gulfport port, the I-55 corridor through Jackson and the Memphis metro area, and industrial hubs like Southaven, Olive Branch, and Tupelo.
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 Mississippi, specialized OTR routes — especially those servicing the busy Gulf Coast and I-55 logistics corridors — 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 $86,736 Mississippi average. Top earners in Mississippi can make over $144,400 per year.
How can truck drivers earn more in Mississippi?
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 Mississippi companies offer salaries well above the state average for experienced drivers with the right credentials, especially in logistics hubs like the Gulfport port, the I-55 corridor, and industrial hubs near Jackson, Southaven, and Tupelo.
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 Mississippi, hazmat drivers can earn well above the state average of $86,736, with top earners reaching over $144,400 annually — especially those servicing the region's busy logistics, manufacturing, and port‑related freight along the I‑55 and I‑10 corridors.
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