Truck Driver Salary in Missouri 2026
The average truck driver salary in Missouri is $1,605 per week as of 2026 — that's approximately $83,460 annually (or about $40.13 per hour) for qualified CDL drivers.
Truck driver salary in Missouri, 2026
How much does a Truck Driver make in Missouri?
Missouri Salary Snapshot
Missouri Truck Driver Pay at a Glance
Real wage data for Missouri pulled together in one clear view, so you know exactly what to expect before you get behind the wheel. From entry-level to top earners, wages span $41.5k – $167.6k annually.
$83,460
Average Annual Salary
$1,605
Average Weekly Pay
$40.13
Average Hourly Pay
$167.6k+
Top Earners
Missouri City Breakdown
Truck Driver Salary by Missouri City
Pay varies across the Show-Me State. Compare average earnings in major Missouri cities to find where your driving career pays the most – based on real Indeed data and regional market trends.
Kansas City
$89,700/yr
St. Louis
$88,400/yr
Springfield
$84,000/yr
Columbia
$83,400/yr
Independence
$86,900/yr
St. Joseph
$80,400/yr
Lee's Summit
$86,400/yr
O'Fallon
$84,600/yr
St. Charles
$79,300/yr
Jefferson City
$78,700/yr
Pay by Role
Missouri Salary by Driver Type
Earnings shift depending on the type of driving you do. Compare Missouri‑specific role averages to find the route that fits your income goals and lifestyle.
OTR Driver
$89,300/yr avg
Long-haul routes across multiple states, offering the highest earning potential in trucking.
View JobsRegional Driver
$84,200/yr avg
Multi-state routes within a defined region, balancing solid pay with more time at home.
View JobsLocal Driver
$75,900/yr avg
Short daily routes within a city or nearby area, ideal for drivers who want to be home every night.
View JobsDedicated Driver
$87,600/yr avg
Consistent routes for a single client, delivering predictable schedules and reliable income.
View JobsFlatbed Driver
$91,800/yr avg
Hauls oversized and open‑deck freight, commanding premium pay for specialized skill.
View JobsHazmat Driver
$102,700/yr avg
Transports hazardous materials and earns the highest average pay for certified specialists.
View JobsWhat Affects Truck Driver Salary in Missouri?
Truck driver pay isn't determined by a single factor. This dashboard highlights the key elements that influence earnings in Missouri and shows where drivers can maximize their income.
Competitive Earnings in Missouri
Missouri truck drivers earn an average of $1,605 per week ($83,460/year), which is 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 — up to $167,600 annually.
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 Missouri, answered in plain terms — based on real Indeed data.
What is the average truck driver salary in Missouri?
The average truck driver in Missouri earns around $83,460 per year, which breaks down to roughly $1,605 per week or ~$40.13 per hour (based on a 40-hour week). Pay varies based on route type, experience, and the company you drive for. Missouri salaries are in line with the national average, and drivers with specialized endorsements can earn well over the average — with top earners reaching up to $167,600 annually.
Which Missouri city pays truck drivers the most?
Kansas City ($89,700/year) leads the state as the primary freight and distribution hub for the Midwest. St. Louis ($88,400) follows closely as the other major metro. Independence ($86,900) — part of the KC metro with growing logistics parks — and Lee's Summit ($86,400) also rank high. The state average sits around Springfield ($84,000) and Columbia ($83,400), with O'Fallon ($84,600) benefiting from I-70 corridor distribution. Smaller markets like St. Joseph ($80,400), St. Charles ($79,300), and Jefferson City ($78,700) trend slightly lower. The highest‑paying companies in Missouri specialize in dedicated OTR routes, hazmat freight, and regional distribution — especially around the Kansas City and St. Louis metro areas and the I‑70 and I‑44 freight corridors.
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 Missouri, specialized OTR routes — especially those connecting the Kansas City and St. Louis distribution hubs to the broader Midwest — 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 $83,460 Missouri average. Top earners in Missouri can make up to $167,600 per year.
How can truck drivers earn more in Missouri?
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 Missouri companies offer salaries well above the state average for experienced drivers with the right credentials, especially in key logistics hubs like the Kansas City and St. Louis metro distribution networks and the growing freight corridors along I‑70 and I‑44 that connect the Midwest to the South.
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 Missouri, hazmat drivers can earn well above the state average of $83,460, with top earners reaching up to $167,600 annually — especially those servicing the state's manufacturing, agriculture, and logistics sectors across the Kansas City and St. Louis metro areas.
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