Truck Driver Salary in Meridian
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Meridian, Mississippi. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$48,669
CDL-B Avg
$38,449
Non-CDL Avg
$28,228
Owner-Op Gross
$146,007
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Meridian truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Meridian
Meridian's cost of living is 17% below the national average. Your trucking salary stretches further here than in most cities.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$48,669
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$58,637
After adjusting for Meridian's cost of living index of 83, a CDL-A salary of $48,669 provides the same purchasing power as $58,637 in an average-cost area. Your money goes further in Meridian than the raw salary suggests.
Meridian vs Mississippi vs National Average
| Metric | Meridian | MS Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $48,669 | $49,800 | $58,710 |
| vs State | $-1,131 | ||
| vs National | $-10,041 | ||
| Cost of Living | 83 | 84 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $58,637 | $59,286 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Meridian
Meridian trucking wages have softened slightly as freight volumes in military (nas meridian) and railroad operations have moderated. However, the national driver shortage provides a floor on pay, and experienced CDL-A drivers remain in demand.
Top Paying Companies in Meridian
These carriers and logistics companies offer some of the highest truck driver pay in the Meridian area.
| Company | Avg Annual Pay |
|---|---|
| 1XPO Logistics | $63,523 |
| 2Southeastern Freight Lines | $61,569 |
| 3Werner Enterprises | $60,591 |
| 4Heartland Express | $58,637 |
Industries Driving Trucking Demand in Meridian
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Meridian market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Meridian
Browse CDL driver positions in Meridian, MS from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Meridian
What is the average truck driver salary in Meridian, MS?
CDL-A truck drivers in Meridian, Mississippi earn an average of $48,669 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Meridian market is influenced by military (nas meridian) and railroad operations freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Meridian?
Owner-operators based in Meridian gross approximately $146,007 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $55,483 to $70,083. The Meridian area's cost of living index of 83 is below the national average by 17%.
Is Meridian a good city for trucking jobs?
Meridian offers strong trucking employment thanks to its military (nas meridian) and railroad operations sectors. The city's cost of living is below the national average, which means your paycheck goes further here than in many metros. CDL drivers with hazmat or tanker endorsements can earn 10-20% above the city average.