Updated November 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Jackson, Mississippi (November 2026)
As of November 2026, CDL drivers in Jackson, Mississippi are earning a weekly average of $2,602 (median $2,050). Based on 1,421 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 31% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $1,914. Jackson sits at the I-20 / I-55 junction in central Mississippi, serving as a central Mississippi distribution point with agricultural freight of cotton and soybeans, poultry processing, and Nissan plant volumes from Canton nearby.
What changed in November 2026
- average weekly pay fell by 4.4% ($2,723 → $2,602).
- median weekly pay fell by 2.4% ($2,100 → $2,050).
How Jackson, Mississippi compares to Mississippi
| Jackson, Mississippi | Mississippi | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,602 | $2,292 | +14% |
| OTR (long-haul) routes | 90% | 84% | +6 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
Jackson, Mississippi's biggest divergence from Mississippi is on average weekly pay, 14% 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) | $2,274 | $2,100 | 675 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,612 | $1,590 | 402 |
| Owner Operator | $7,242 | $7,250 | 344 |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
How drivers spend their time on the road in Jackson, Mississippi
The route mix in Jackson, Mississippi this month tilts OTR: 10% regional, 90% OTR, 0% local, 0% semi-local — drawn from active postings, not historical surveys.
Guaranteed pay is on offer at 2% of Jackson, Mississippi postings; dedicated routes at 27%; take-truck-home at 90%. Pet-friendly policies appear at 71% and riders-allowed at 69%.
Driving CDL in Jackson
Jackson anchors central Mississippi at the I-20 / I-55 cross. Manufacturing and state government supply chains drive steady distribution; Nissan Canton (just north) adds automotive parts freight. Cost of living is among the lowest in the country. Tornado season and hurricane-tail weather are operational variables.
Driving CDL in Mississippi
Mississippi trucking runs I-10 along the Gulf Coast and I-20 / I-55 north-south. Agricultural freight (poultry, soybeans, cotton, catfish) is a major outbound segment. Automotive assembly at the Nissan plant in Canton (just north of Jackson) adds parts-and-finished-vehicle lanes. Cost of living is among the lowest in the country, which substantially helps comp math even at modest headline pay rates. Mississippi has a moderate flat 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 November 2026.