Updated May 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Mississippi (May 2026)
Mississippi's CDL drivers earn $2,337 per week on average, $1,875 median, as of May 2026. Based on 1,835 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 31% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,148. Mississippi trucking runs I-10 along the Gulf Coast and I-20 / I-55 north-south, with agricultural freight of cotton, soybeans, and catfish, and automotive assembly adding volume from the Nissan plant in Canton.
What changed in May 2026
We just started tracking monthly changes for this view. Check back next month to see how rankings have shifted.
What CDL drivers are earning across Mississippi
Across active CDL postings in 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) | $2,118 | $2,000 | 788 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,559 | $1,500 | 641 |
| Owner Operator | $6,985 | $7,000 | 406 |
Source: Lanefinder index, May 2026
How drivers spend their time on the road in Mississippi
The route mix in Mississippi this month tilts OTR: 14% regional, 83% OTR, 2% local, 1% semi-local — drawn from active postings, not historical surveys.
Across Mississippi CDL postings: 2% with guaranteed pay, 27% dedicated, 87% take-truck-home, 69% pet-friendly, 67% riders-allowed.
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 Mississippi
- Best owner-operator companies in Mississippi
- CDL driver salary in the United States
How we compile these rankings
Lanefinder's ranking algorithm weights compensation at 30%, FMCSA SAFER safety at 25%, benefits at 25%, and operational performance at 20%. Compensation reflects pay percentile plus sign-on bonus, guaranteed pay, and settlement-frequency adjustments. Benefits scoring is hiring-type-aware. Operational performance comes mostly from how carriers handle real driver applications. Updated May 2026.