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Truck Driver Salaries in Missouri — 2026 Overview

BLS 2026

Missouri pays truck drivers a median wage of $50,540 per year — that's $24.30/hr based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. The state's 47,530 truck drivers make up a meaningful portion of the regional workforce.

Truck Driver salaries in Missouri are below the national average by approximately $5,952. Missouri has a state income tax rate of up to 4.8%.

Missouri's diverse economy underpins consistent demand for truck drivers across both urban and rural areas.

Missouri Truck Driver Take-Home Pay Calculator

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Enter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Missouri after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Missouri has a state income tax rate of up to 4.8%.

Your annual gross salary ($)
Gross Annual
$50,540
Federal Tax (est.)
calculating...
FICA + State Tax
calculating...
Estimated Take-Home
$41,254

Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Missouri has a state income tax rate of up to 4.8%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.

Am I Paid Fairly? — Missouri Truck Driver Check

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Enter your current salary to see how it compares to the Missouri median of $50,540.

Your annual salary ($)

Truck Driver Salary by Experience — Missouri

Entry Level (0–2 years)$31,300/yr · $15.05/hr
Beginning career, developing core skills under supervision in Missouri.
Mid-Level (3–6 years)$44,980/yr · $21.62/hr
Established professional working independently in Missouri. Pursuing advanced certifications.
Experienced (7–12 years)$56,099/yr · $26.97/hr
Senior professional with specialised skills commanding above-average pay in Missouri.
Senior / Expert (12+ years)$72,800+/yr · $35.00/hr
Top earner. Leadership, management or highly specialised role in Missouri.
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Truck Driver Salary Trend in Missouri — 2021 to 2026

5-Year Data

Over the past five years, Missouri has seen 13.9% wage growth for truck drivers — broadly in line with cost-of-living changes across the region. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Missouri's freight and logistics.

2021
$44,374
2022
$46,951
+5.8%
2023
$49,124
+4.6%
2024
$49,933
+1.6%
2026
$50,540
+1.2%

Truck Driver Salary by City — Missouri

BLS Metro Data
City / Metro AreaAnnual MedianHourlyvs StateJobs
Kansas City$56,100$26.97+11.0%16,635
Saint Louis$53,550$25.75+6.0%13,308
Springfield$52,050$25.02+3.0%8,555
Columbia$48,500$23.32-4.0%4,277
Independence$46,000$22.12-9.0%2,851
Jefferson City$43,950$21.13-13.0%1,901

Tip: Kansas City offers the highest truck driver salaries in Missouri at $56,100/yr — +11.0% above the state average.

Missouri vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power

Cost of Living Adjusted

Gross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Missouri sits in the mid-range for truck drivers.

Missouri — 4.8% state income tax$50,540 gross~$41,254 take-home
Iowa — 6.0%$55,080 gross+9.0% vs MO
Illinois — 4.95%$59,790 gross+18.3% vs MO
Kentucky — 4.0%$55,590 gross+10.0% vs MO

Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Missouri has a state income tax rate of up to 4.8%.

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Truck Driver Job Outlook in Missouri

BLS Projections
+10%Job growth 2026–33
47,530Currently employed
4,753+New jobs projected

Employment for truck drivers in Missouri is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Missouri job market. Missouri's diverse economy underpins consistent demand for truck drivers across both urban and rural areas.

How to Earn More as a Truck Driver in Missouri

1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a truck driver in Missouri typically adds $41,500 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State DMV — CDL Licence can accelerate this progression.

2. Target the highest-paying city. Kansas City pays truck drivers $56,100/yr — +11.0% above the Missouri average. Simply relocating within Missouri can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.

3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Truck Drivers who specialise in freight and logistics typically command premium rates in Missouri. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.

4. Consider neighbouring states. Iowa pays truck drivers $55,080/yr — 9.0% vs Missouri.

Find Truck Driver Jobs in Missouri

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much do truck drivers earn in Missouri?
The average truck driver salary in Missouri is $50,540 per year, or $24.30 per hour, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (2026 update). Entry-level positions start around $31,300 while experienced professionals earn $72,800 or more.
Where do truck drivers earn the most in Missouri?
Kansas City pays truck drivers the most in Missouri at an average of $56,100 per year — +11.0% above the state average.
Is truck driver pay in Missouri above or below the US average?
Missouri truck driver salaries are below the calculated national average by approximately $5,952. Missouri has a state income tax rate of up to 4.8%.
How much do truck drivers actually take home after taxes in Missouri?
A truck driver earning the Missouri average of $50,540 takes home approximately $41,254 per year after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. Missouri has a state income tax rate of up to 4.8%.
Is truck driver a good career in Missouri?
Yes. Truck Driver is a strong career choice in Missouri with steady demand projected over the next decade. Missouri's diverse economy underpins consistent demand for truck drivers across both urban and rural areas.
How do you get a truck driver licence in Missouri?
In Missouri, truck drivers are licensed through the State DMV — CDL Licence. Requirements vary by specialisation level — contact the State DMV — CDL Licence for current examination and experience requirements.
DATA SOURCE All salary data from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024 survey. Employment projections from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Full methodology →

Important disclaimer: Salary and wage data on WageByState is provided for informational purposes only. Figures are sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme and represent median values across large populations — your individual earnings will vary. Take-home pay calculations are estimates and do not constitute tax advice. WageByState accepts no liability for decisions made based on information on this site. Not affiliated with the Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency.