Truck Driver Salary in Columbia
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Columbia, Missouri. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$57,043
CDL-B Avg
$43,353
Non-CDL Avg
$34,226
Owner-Op Gross
$154,016
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Columbia truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Columbia
Columbia's cost of living is 13% below the national average. Your trucking salary stretches further here than in most cities.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$57,043
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$65,567
After adjusting for Columbia's cost of living index of 87, a CDL-A salary of $57,043 provides the same purchasing power as $65,567 in an average-cost area. Your money goes further in Columbia than the raw salary suggests.
Columbia vs Missouri vs National Average
| Metric | Columbia | MO Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $57,043 | $56,200 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$843 | ||
| vs National | $-1,667 | ||
| Cost of Living | 87 | 89 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $65,567 | $63,146 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Columbia
Trucking pay in Columbia has remained steady, supported by consistent freight demand from higher education and healthcare. The Missouri market offers reliable work with predictable earnings for CDL drivers.
Top Paying Companies in Columbia
These carriers and logistics companies offer some of the highest truck driver pay in the Columbia area.
| Company | Avg Annual Pay |
|---|---|
| 1ABF Freight | $69,020 |
| 2Estes Express | $66,990 |
| 3Hub Group | $64,960 |
| 4Crete Carrier | $62,930 |
Industries Driving Trucking Demand in Columbia
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Columbia market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Columbia
Browse CDL driver positions in Columbia, MO from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Columbia
What is the average truck driver salary in Columbia, MO?
CDL-A truck drivers in Columbia, Missouri earn an average of $57,043 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Columbia market is influenced by higher education and healthcare freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Columbia?
Owner-operators based in Columbia gross approximately $154,016 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $58,526 to $73,928. The Columbia area's cost of living index of 87 is below the national average by 13%.
Is Columbia a good city for trucking jobs?
Columbia offers strong trucking employment thanks to its higher education and healthcare 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.