Truck Driver Salary in Missoula
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Missoula, Montana. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$56,813
CDL-B Avg
$41,760
Non-CDL Avg
$48,528
Owner-Op Gross
$177,600
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Missoula truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Missoula
Missoula's cost of living is 7% below the national average. Your trucking salary stretches further here than in most cities.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$56,813
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$61,089
After adjusting for Missoula's cost of living index of 93, a CDL-A salary of $56,813 provides the same purchasing power as $61,089 in an average-cost area. Your money goes further in Missoula than the raw salary suggests.
Missoula vs Montana vs National Average
| Metric | Missoula | MT Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $56,813 | $59,180 | $58,710 |
| vs State | $-2,367 | ||
| vs National | $-1,897 | ||
| Cost of Living | 93 | 95 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $61,089 | $62,295 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Missoula
Trucking pay in Missoula has remained steady, supported by consistent freight demand from timber & forest products and healthcare. The Montana market offers reliable work with predictable earnings for CDL drivers.
Which carriers run freight through Missoula?
These are large carriers with a real presence in the region. We do not publish what any of them pays in Missoula — that is a number only the carrier and the driver know, and it moves with the account, the lane and your record.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
- Prime Inc.
- Ryder
- Knight-Swift
Read our carrier profiles for pay structure, home time and equipment on each one.
Industries Driving Trucking Demand in Missoula
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Missoula market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Missoula
Browse CDL driver positions in Missoula, MT from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Missoula
What is the average truck driver salary in Missoula, MT?
CDL-A truck drivers in Missoula, Montana earn an average of $56,813 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Missoula market is influenced by timber & forest products and healthcare freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Missoula?
Owner-operators based in Missoula gross approximately $177,600 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $67,488 to $85,248. The Missoula area's cost of living index of 93 is below the national average by 7%.
Is Missoula a good city for trucking jobs?
Missoula offers strong trucking employment thanks to its timber & forest products 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.