Updated November 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Independence, Missouri (November 2026)
Independence, Missouri CDL drivers: $2,523 average weekly pay, $2,000 median (November 2026). Based on 1,562 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 32% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $1,976. 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
- average weekly pay fell by 2.8% ($2,595 → $2,523).
Where Independence, Missouri differs from the Missouri baseline
| Independence, Missouri | Missouri | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,523 | $2,129 | +19% |
| Take-truck-home | 88% | 83% | +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 Independence, Missouri differs most from Missouri — 19% above statewide.
What CDL drivers are earning across Independence, Missouri
Across active CDL postings in Independence, 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) | $2,291 | $2,100 | 695 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,573 | $1,500 | 508 |
| Owner Operator | $7,075 | $7,000 | 359 |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
What Independence, Missouri drivers actually run
The route mix in Independence, Missouri this month tilts OTR: 11% regional, 88% OTR, 1% local, 1% semi-local — drawn from active postings, not historical surveys.
Across Independence, Missouri CDL postings: 2% with guaranteed pay, 27% dedicated, 88% take-truck-home, 71% pet-friendly, 68% 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 Independence, Missouri
- Best owner-operator companies in Independence, Missouri
- CDL driver salary in Missouri
How we compile these 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.