Truck Driver Salary in Joplin
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Joplin, Missouri. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$54,557
CDL-B Avg
$43,392
Non-CDL Avg
$48,288
Owner-Op Gross
$190,080
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Joplin truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Joplin
Joplin's cost of living is 20% below the national average. Your trucking salary stretches further here than in most cities.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$54,557
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$68,196
After adjusting for Joplin's cost of living index of 80, a CDL-A salary of $54,557 provides the same purchasing power as $68,196 in an average-cost area. Your money goes further in Joplin than the raw salary suggests.
Joplin vs Missouri vs National Average
| Metric | Joplin | MO Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $54,557 | $56,830 | $58,710 |
| vs State | $-2,273 | ||
| vs National | $-4,153 | ||
| Cost of Living | 80 | 89 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $68,196 | $63,854 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Joplin
Trucking pay in Joplin has remained steady, supported by consistent freight demand from mining & minerals (legacy) and healthcare. The Missouri market offers reliable work with predictable earnings for CDL drivers.
Which carriers run freight through Joplin?
These are large carriers with a real presence in the region. We do not publish what any of them pays in Joplin — that is a number only the carrier and the driver know, and it moves with the account, the lane and your record.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.
- Schneider National
- J.B. Hunt
- TMC Transportation
- Crete Carrier
Read our carrier profiles for pay structure, home time and equipment on each one.
Industries Driving Trucking Demand in Joplin
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Joplin market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Joplin
Browse CDL driver positions in Joplin, MO from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Joplin
What is the average truck driver salary in Joplin, MO?
CDL-A truck drivers in Joplin, Missouri earn an average of $54,557 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Joplin market is influenced by mining & minerals (legacy) and healthcare freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Joplin?
Owner-operators based in Joplin gross approximately $190,080 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $72,230 to $91,238. The Joplin area's cost of living index of 80 is below the national average by 20%.
Is Joplin a good city for trucking jobs?
Joplin offers strong trucking employment thanks to its mining & minerals (legacy) 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.