CDL Truck Driver in Mississippi

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MS. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary
$50,700
trending_down -11.7% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Mississippi.

engineering
25,490

Jobs (MS)

monitoring Stable
+4.0%

10-yr job growth

payments
$30

Licensing fees

schedule
3 weeks to 6 months

Time to complete

route How to become a cdl truck driver in Mississippi

To become a CDL Truck Driver in Mississippi, individuals must obtain a Commercial Driver's License from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS). Key steps include completing FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT), passing a general knowledge and skills test, and submitting an application with a valid DOT medical certificate. Applicants must be at least 17 for intrastate driving and 21 for interstate, and a background check and 10-year driving history check are conducted.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $33,670
25th percentile $40,570
50th (median) $50,700
75th percentile $61,830
90th (experienced) $81,560

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Mississippi. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Mississippi requirements

Licensing bodyMississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS)
State license Required
EducationFMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
ExamCDL General Knowledge and Skills Test ($5)
Application fee$25
RenewalEvery 4.0 years
NotesApplicants must be at least 17 years old for intrastate driving and 21 for interstate commerce. A valid DOT medical certificate is required. As of June 23, 2025, Mississippi will no longer accept physical or scanned copies of Medical Certificate forms; federally certified Medical Examiners are required to submit results electronically to FMCSA's National Registry. The CLP fee is $16. The CDL license fee is $55. Endorsements cost an additional $5 each. A HazMat endorsement requires an $86.50 TSA background check fee. Some CDL training programs can be completed in as little as 16 days or 3 weeks. A background check is required. A 10-year driving history check is also performed. While not strictly required, attending a CDL training program is highly recommended.

Source: Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS)

workspace_premium Mississippi license tiers

Mississippi offers multiple tiers of cdl truck driver licensing:

Tier Hours required
Class A N/A
Class B N/A
Class C N/A

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth
+4.0%
Average
Annual openings
237,600
Nationwide per year
Total employment
2,235,100
Nationwide
neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -1.15/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

  • check_circleMississippi license required — clearer credential signal to employers
  • check_circleLow AI disruption risk
psychology
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Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as a cdl truck driver in Mississippi? expand_more
To become a cdl truck driver in Mississippi, you need to complete the required education (FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)), pass the CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test, and submit your application ($25 fee).
Does Mississippi require cdl truck driver licensure? expand_more
Mississippi mandates state licensure for cdl truck drivers. Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) oversees the process, which includes passing the CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test.
What is the average cdl truck driver salary in Mississippi? expand_more
The median cdl truck driver salary in Mississippi is $50,700 per year. — 12% under the $57,440 national average. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $33,670, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $81,560.
How expensive is cdl truck driver licensing in Mississippi? expand_more
Costs include exam fee ($5) and application fee ($25). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.
How many months or years does cdl truck driver certification take in Mississippi? expand_more
The typical timeline in Mississippi is 3 weeks to 6 months. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

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