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
$53,674
CDL-B Avg
$38,592
Non-CDL Avg
$45,062
Owner-Op Gross
$158,400
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 18% below the national average. Your trucking salary stretches further here than in most cities.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$53,674
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$65,456
After adjusting for Meridian's cost of living index of 82, a CDL-A salary of $53,674 provides the same purchasing power as $65,456 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 | $53,674 | $55,910 | $58,710 |
| vs State | $-2,236 | ||
| vs National | $-5,036 | ||
| Cost of Living | 82 | 84 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $65,456 | $66,560 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Meridian
Meridian trucking wages have softened slightly as freight volumes in military (nas meridian) and railroad operations have moderated. Experienced CDL-A drivers with a clean record remain the hardest seats for carriers to fill, which puts a floor under pay at that end of the market.
Which carriers run freight through Meridian?
These are large carriers with a real presence in the region. We do not publish what any of them pays in Meridian — that is a number only the carrier and the driver know, and it moves with the account, the lane and your record. Ask for it in cents per mile alongside the expected weekly miles.
- Werner Enterprises
- Heartland Express
- USA Truck
- Averitt Express
Read our carrier profiles for pay structure, home time and equipment on each one.
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 $53,674 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 $158,400 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $60,192 to $76,032. The Meridian area's cost of living index of 82 is below the national average by 18%.
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.