Average Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary in Gulfport-Biloxi, MS
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Gulfport-Biloxi, MS earn an average annual salary of $48,740. This figure is notably below the national average of $58,380, suggesting localized economic factors or a different supply-demand dynamic influence compensation in this region. Understanding these regional pay scales is crucial for career planning.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $48,740 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $62,780.
- Outlook: The Gulfport-Biloxi, MS area supports a local workforce of 1,970 Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers. With a Location Quotient of 0.93, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations. The presence of nearly 2,000 drivers suggests a consistent need for transportation services within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Gulfport-Biloxi, MS earns-16.5%below the national average.
$23.4
$937
$4,062
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Gulfport-Biloxi is not provided, the trucking industry nationally has experienced fluctuations and growth over the past four years, often driven by e-commerce demand and infrastructure investment. It is reasonable to assume that salaries for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in this region have seen modest growth, mirroring broader industry trends and efforts to retain skilled labor.
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary Distribution in Gulfport-Biloxi, MS
Salary progression for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers is typically tied to experience, skill set, and the type of freight hauled. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized endorsements or extensive experience can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles reflects the value placed on reliability and expertise in this demanding field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $34,670 | $16.7 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $36,555 | $17.6 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $46,330 | $22.3 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $60,925 | $29.3 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $62,780 | $30.2 |
Detailed Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$48,740
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$48,740
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $48,740 in Gulfport-Biloxi, MS aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is comparable to the rest of the United States, mitigating some of the impact of the lower pay rate.
Job Market Context
1,970
Total Jobs
12.469
Per 1K Jobs
0.93
Location Quotient
Gulfport-Biloxi, MS has 0.93x the national average concentration of Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.93 for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Gulfport-Biloxi, MS suggests that this occupation is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This implies that while the job market is stable and there is a significant workforce, the demand may not be outpacing the supply as intensely as in areas with higher LQs, potentially contributing to the observed salary levels.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary | $50,160↑ 3% | 44 mi |
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary | $54,010↑ 11% | 57 mi |
| Mobile, AL Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary | $51,410↑ 5% | 59 mi |
| Hattiesburg, MS Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary | $50,110↑ 3% | 63 mi |
| Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary | $49,080↑ 1% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Gulfport-Biloxi, MS
Hiring Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driverss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers make in Gulfport-Biloxi, MS?
The median annual salary for a Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Gulfport-Biloxi, MS is $48,740. This typically ranges from $34,670 for entry-level positions to $62,780 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Gulfport-Biloxi, MS is 16.5% lower than the national median of $58,380.
Is Gulfport-Biloxi, MS a lucrative place for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $48,740 is below the national average, though the cost of living is on par. This indicates that while your earnings will have average purchasing power, the nominal income is lower than what drivers might find in other regions.
Is Gulfport-Biloxi, MS a good place to live for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers?
The Cost of Living Index in Gulfport-Biloxi, MS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Gulfport-Biloxi, MS?
Some top paying nearby cities include Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA ($50,160) and New Orleans-Metairie, LA.
How does the number of truck drivers in Gulfport-Biloxi compare to the national average?
Gulfport-Biloxi has a workforce of 1,970 Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers. The Location Quotient of 0.93 indicates that the concentration of these drivers is slightly below the national average, suggesting a balanced but not overly saturated market.
What is the cost of living impact on a $48,740 salary in Gulfport-Biloxi?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $48,740 salary in Gulfport-Biloxi offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, your money will go just as far locally.
Are there many job opportunities for truck drivers in this area?
The data shows 12.469 jobs per 1,000 workers in this field, indicating a steady presence of opportunities. While the Location Quotient is slightly below average, the substantial workforce suggests consistent demand for transportation services.
How does experience affect truck driver salaries in Gulfport-Biloxi?
As with most professions, experience significantly impacts earnings. Entry-level drivers will earn less, while those with several years of experience, specialized skills, or clean driving records can expect to earn substantially more, moving into higher salary percentiles.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,970 employees in the Gulfport-Biloxi, MS area with a job density of 12.469 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Gulfport-Biloxi, MS