Trades & Labor Missouri (MO) Rank #43 of 50

Truck Driver Salary in Missouri

The median truck driver salary in Missouri is $43,930 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $49,920.

Median Salary
$43,930
vs National
$-5,990
State Rank
#43 of 50
Cost of Living
88%

Truck Driver Salary Overview in Missouri (2026)

Missouri ranks #43 out of 50 states for truck driver compensation. Truck Driver salaries in Missouri are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $43,930 per year, truck drivers in Missouri earn $5,990 less than the national median of $49,920.

A key advantage of working in Missouri is its below-average cost of living (88% of the national index). This means the $43,930 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $49,920 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Missouri is significant: truck drivers at the 10th percentile earn $29,216, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $68,640 — a $39,424 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Missouri for this role is Kansas City, where the median reaches $45,926.

Nationally, truck driver employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for truck drivers across the country.

Truck Driver Salary in Missouri by Experience

In Missouri, an entry-level truck driver earns around $30,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $63,360 per year. The cost of living index in Missouri is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,800
$-4,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$44,000
$-6,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$63,360
$-8,640 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Missouri

Percentile MO Salary
10th Percentile $29,216
25th Percentile $35,376
Median (50th) $43,930
75th Percentile $56,144
90th Percentile $68,640

Truck Driver Salary by City in Missouri

The largest employment areas for truck drivers in Missouri include Kansas City, Saint Louis, Springfield, and Columbia. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Truck Driver in Missouri

Education

Most truck driver positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Missouri has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

CDL LicenseRoute PlanningVehicle InspectionDOT RegulationsTime ManagementDefensive Driving

Job Outlook in Missouri

Nationally, truck driver employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Missouri's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Truck Driver Salary in Missouri

How much does a Truck Driver make in Missouri? ▼
The median truck driver salary in Missouri is $43,930 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $49,920. Salaries range from $29,216 (10th percentile) to $68,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Truck Driver make per hour in Missouri? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $43,930, a truck driver in Missouri earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Missouri a good state for truck drivers? ▼
Missouri ranks #43 out of 50 states for truck driver pay. The cost of living index is 88% of the national average. Entry-level truck drivers earn $30,800, while senior professionals earn $63,360.
How does Missouri compare to other states for truck driver salary? ▼
The highest paying state for truck drivers is Hawaii at $88,858. Missouri's median of $43,930 ranks #43 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include South Carolina ($44,429) and Tennessee ($44,429).
What is the entry-level truck driver salary in Missouri? ▼
An entry-level truck driver in Missouri earns approximately $30,800 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $44,000. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $63,360.
What city in Missouri pays truck drivers the most? ▼
Kansas City is the highest paying city in Missouri for truck drivers, with a median salary of $45,926. Other cities include Saint Louis and Springfield.