Updated May 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Jackson, Mississippi (May 2026)
As of May 2026, CDL drivers in Jackson, Mississippi are earning a weekly average of $2,817 (median $2,050). Based on 1,412 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 31% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,038. Jackson sits at the I-20 / I-55 junction in central Mississippi, serving as the state's primary distribution hub with agricultural freight of cotton and soybeans, poultry processing, and Nissan plant volumes from Canton nearby.
What changed in May 2026
We just started tracking monthly changes for this view. Check back next month to see how rankings have shifted.
How Jackson, Mississippi compares to Mississippi
| Jackson, Mississippi | Mississippi | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,817 | $2,337 | +21% |
| OTR (long-haul) routes | 89% | 83% | +6 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, May 2026
Jackson, Mississippi's biggest divergence from Mississippi is on average weekly pay, 21% above the state baseline.
Jackson, Mississippi CDL salary by hiring type
Across active CDL postings in Jackson, Mississippi 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) | $2,222 | $2,000 | 648 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,607 | $1,590 | 407 |
| Owner Operator | $7,243 | $7,250 | 357 |
Source: Lanefinder index, May 2026
How drivers spend their time on the road in Jackson, Mississippi
The route mix in Jackson, Mississippi this month tilts OTR: 10% regional, 89% OTR, 0% local, 1% semi-local — drawn from active postings, not historical surveys.
Guaranteed pay is on offer at 1% of Jackson, Mississippi postings; dedicated routes at 26%; take-truck-home at 90%. Pet-friendly policies appear at 72% and riders-allowed at 71%.
Driving CDL in Mississippi
Mississippi trucking runs I-10 along the Gulf Coast and I-20 / I-55 north-south. Agricultural freight (cotton, soybeans, catfish) is the dominant outbound segment. Automotive assembly at the Nissan plant in Canton (just north of Jackson) adds parts-and-finished-vehicle lanes. Cost of living is the lowest in the country, which substantially helps comp math even at modest headline pay rates. Mississippi has a moderate graduated state income tax. Gulf Coast hurricane season is the major weather variable; inland MS is generally easier driving than its Gulf coastline.
Related guides
- Best trucking companies in Jackson, Mississippi
- Best owner-operator companies in Jackson, Mississippi
- CDL driver salary in Mississippi
Where this data comes from
Pay carriers in the same market against each other (30% of the score). Add a five-dimension FMCSA safety percentile from SAFER (25%). Score benefits based on whether the carrier hires W2 drivers or contractors (25%). Layer on employer responsiveness and fleet scale (20%). The weights are fixed and public. Updated May 2026.