Updated November 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Missouri (November 2026)
In Missouri as of November 2026, the typical CDL driver brings home $2,129 per week (median $1,800). Based on 2,240 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 30% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,097. 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.
How CDL pay breaks down in Missouri
Across active CDL postings in 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,503 | $1,450 | 922 |
| Independent Contractor (1099) | $2,206 | $2,000 | 909 |
| Owner Operator | $6,950 | $7,000 | 409 |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
Lane mix and benefits across Missouri
Of active CDL postings in Missouri this month, 17% are regional and 79% are OTR (long-haul). Local and semi-local routes account for the remaining 4%.
Across Missouri CDL postings: 2% with guaranteed pay, 28% dedicated, 83% take-truck-home, 67% pet-friendly, 64% 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 Missouri
- Best owner-operator companies in Missouri
- CDL driver salary in the United States
The methodology behind the rankings
The composite score is 30% compensation, 25% FMCSA safety, 25% benefits, and 20% operational performance. Pay percentiles are computed against carriers currently hiring in each market; FMCSA percentiles come from SAFER and weight unsafe-driving and hours-of-service violations 2× heavier than the other three dimensions. Updated November 2026.