Updated November 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Cape Girardeau, Missouri (November 2026)
Through November 2026, the average CDL driver in Cape Girardeau, Missouri earns $2,620 per week (median $2,000). Based on 1,579 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 32% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,007. Missouri freight is shaped by the St. Louis and Kansas City hubs anchoring I-70 / I-44 / I-55 corridors, with the Mississippi and Missouri rivers providing barge access for agricultural and bulk commodity shipments.
What changed in November 2026
No major rank changes this month — the top carriers have held their positions since October 2026.
Cape Girardeau, Missouri vs Missouri: the numbers that diverge
| Cape Girardeau, Missouri | Missouri | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,620 | $2,129 | +23% |
| Take-truck-home | 89% | 83% | +6 pt |
| Riders-allowed policies | 69% | 64% | +5 pt |
| OTR (long-haul) routes | 88% | 79% | +9 pt |
| Regional routes | 11% | 17% | -6 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
Among the figures above, average weekly pay is where Cape Girardeau, Missouri differs most from Missouri — 23% above statewide.
How CDL pay breaks down in Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Across active CDL postings in Cape Girardeau, Missouri 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) | $2,272 | $2,100 | 715 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,595 | $1,550 | 495 |
| Owner Operator | $7,092 | $7,000 | 369 |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
What Cape Girardeau, Missouri drivers actually run
Of active CDL postings in Cape Girardeau, Missouri this month, 11% are regional and 88% are OTR (long-haul). Local and semi-local routes account for the remaining 1%.
Across Cape Girardeau, Missouri CDL postings: 2% with guaranteed pay, 27% dedicated, 89% take-truck-home, 71% pet-friendly, 69% riders-allowed.
Driving CDL in Missouri
Missouri freight is shaped by the St. Louis and Kansas City hubs anchoring the I-70 / I-44 / I-55 corridors. The Mississippi and Missouri rivers provide barge access for agricultural and bulk commodity transfers. St. Louis is one of the older US freight crossroads — the rail-truck interchange there is dense and complicated. Living costs sit comfortably below the national average; Missouri has a low-to-moderate graduated state income tax. Tornado season typically peaks in spring and shapes dispatch in central and southern MO.
Related guides
- Best trucking companies in Cape Girardeau, Missouri
- Best owner-operator companies in Cape Girardeau, Missouri
- CDL driver salary in Missouri
The methodology behind the rankings
Compensation, FMCSA safety, benefits, and operational performance — weighted 30, 25, 25, and 20 percent respectively. Compensation extends beyond headline pay to include sign-on bonus tier and settlement cadence. Benefits scoring differs by hiring type because the perks that matter to a W2 driver and a contractor are not the same. Updated November 2026.