Trades & Labor Columbia, MO Pop. 126,254

Truck Driver Salary in Columbia, Missouri

The median truck driver salary in Columbia, MO is $43,930 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 0.0% above the Missouri state average.

City Median
$43,930
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-5,990
Cost of Living
88%

Truck Driver Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median truck driver salary of $43,930, which is $0 above the Missouri state average of $43,930. Compared to the national median of $49,920, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Columbia's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $43,930 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $49,920 in an average-cost city. This makes Columbia an attractive option for truck drivers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for truck drivers in Columbia spans from $29,216 at the 10th percentile to $68,640 at the 90th percentile — a $39,424 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,800, while senior truck drivers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $63,360. With a population of 126,254, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Truck Driver Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level truck driver earns around $30,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $63,360 per year. The local cost of living index 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

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MO

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

Truck Driver Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Kansas City, MO
$45,926
Pop. 508,090
Saint Louis, MO
$44,928
Pop. 301,578
Independence, MO
$42,432
Pop. 123,011
Springfield, MO
$40,934
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a Truck Driver in Columbia

Education

Most truck driver positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Columbia and the surrounding Missouri area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

CDL LicenseRoute PlanningVehicle InspectionDOT RegulationsTime ManagementDefensive Driving

Job Outlook

Nationally, truck driver employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Truck Driver Jobs in Columbia

Browse open truck driver positions in Columbia, MO:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Truck Driver Salary in Columbia

How much does a Truck Driver make in Columbia, MO? ▼
The median truck driver salary in Columbia, 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 Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $43,930, a truck driver in Columbia earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Missouri state average for truck driver pay? ▼
Columbia's median truck driver salary of $43,930 is 0.0% above the Missouri state average of $43,930. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, MO? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a truck driver salary of $43,930 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a truck driver in Columbia? ▼
Most truck driver positions in Columbia require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include CDL License, Route Planning, Vehicle Inspection, DOT Regulations. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.