Heavy Truck Driver in Greenville, MS

The Salary Picture: Where Greenville Stands

As a local, I can tell you straight up: the trucking scene in Greenville is driven by the river, the farms, and the warehouses. It’s not a bustling metropolis, but for a driver who knows how to handle a rig, it’s a solid place to make a living. The numbers back it up. The median salary for a Heavy Truck Driver in the Greenville metro area is $50,541/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.3/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $53,090/year, but that’s typical for the Delta region where the cost of living is significantly lower.

The job market here is stable but not exploding. There are approximately 115 jobs available in the metro area for this role. Over the last decade, the 10-year job growth has been a modest 4%. This tells me the demand is consistent but not rapidly increasing. You’re not going to see the frantic hiring booms of major logistics hubs, but you also won’t see mass layoffs. It’s a reliable, steady field here, heavily influenced by agricultural cycles and the flow of goods on the Mississippi River.

To give you a clearer picture of what you can expect to earn based on your experience, here’s a breakdown. Keep in mind, these are realistic estimates for our local market, factoring in the provided median.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Average Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$38,000 - $44,000	$18.27 - $21.15
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$48,000 - $58,000	$23.08 - $27.88
Senior	8-15 years	$55,000 - $65,000	$26.44 - $31.25
Expert/Owner-Op	15+ years	$65,000+	$31.25+

When you compare Greenville to other Mississippi cities, you see a clear pattern. Jackson, the state capital, offers higher salaries (~$52,500 median) and more jobs due to a larger concentration of distribution centers. Gulfport/Biloxi, with its port and tourism, also edges us out slightly (~$51,800 median). However, Greenville’s lower cost of living means your $50,541 here in the Delta goes much further than the same paycheck in a larger city. It’s a trade-off: fewer high-paying specialized jobs, but more affordable living.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get down to brass tacks. You’re making $50,541 a year, but what does that look like in your bank account after the government and the landlord take their share? Here in Greenville, the math is in your favor.

First, let’s estimate your take-home pay. After federal taxes, state income tax (a flat 5% in Mississippi), FICA (Social Security & Medicare), and an estimate for local taxes, you can expect to take home roughly $39,500 - $41,000 annually, or about $3,290 - $3,415 per month. This is a conservative estimate that accounts for standard deductions.

Now, let’s build a monthly budget for a single driver renting a one-bedroom apartment. The average 1BR rent in Greenville is $714/month. This isn't for a luxury downtown loft; this is for a solid, clean apartment in a safe area, likely in places like the Northgate or near the Walmart Supercenter.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Estimated)

• Gross Monthly Pay: $4,211
• Estimated Net Monthly Pay: $3,350
• Rent (1BR Avg): -$714
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet): -$200
• Groceries & Household: -$400
• Fuel (Personal Vehicle): -$180
• Insurance (Auto & Renters): -$150
• Phone Bill: -$75
• Retirement Savings (5%): -$167
• Miscellaneous/Entertainment: -$250
• Remaining: $214

This budget is tight but doable. The key is to find affordable housing. The Cost of Living Index is 84.0 (where the US average is 100), which is a massive advantage. A 1BR in a city like Nashville might easily cost $1,400+, meaning you’d have negative cash flow with our salary.

Can you afford to buy a home? Yes, absolutely. With a monthly surplus of around $200 and a low cost of living, homeownership is a realistic goal. The median home price in the Greenville area is roughly $125,000 - $140,000. A 30-year mortgage on a $130,000 home at a good interest rate (say, 6.5%) would be about $820/month (including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance). That’s only about $100 more than the average rent. With a steady job, you can easily transition from renting to owning within a few years, building equity instead of paying a landlord.

Where the Jobs Are: Greenville's Major Employers

The job market here is anchored by a few key sectors: agriculture, river logistics, and regional distribution. Here are the specific employers you need to know about:

1. Dunavant Enterprises (Walmart Distribution Center): This is one of the largest employers in the area. They handle logistics for Walmart’s massive grocery and general merchandise network. They hire company drivers and contract with many local owner-operators. Hiring trends are steady, with a constant need for drivers to service the regional distribution network. It’s a reliable, year-round job.

2. The Mississippi River Terminals: Greenville is a major port. Companies like ICM, Steinbeck, and Semo Milling operate terminals along the river. They move grain (soybeans, corn), fertilizer, and other bulk commodities. Jobs here often involve barge loading/unloading and short-haul drayage to and from the terminals. The work is seasonal to some degree, booming during harvest season (late summer/fall).

3. Bunge North America: A global agribusiness with a major processing and storage facility in Greenville. They are a huge employer for drivers who specialize in bulk hauling of grains and oilseeds. This is often unionized work with excellent benefits and pay that can exceed the median, especially for experienced drivers.

4. McClain Hoshall: A major engineering and construction firm with a heavy equipment division. They frequently need CDL drivers for dump trucks, concrete mixers, and heavy hauls to support local construction projects, including the ongoing efforts to strengthen the Mississippi River levees. Hiring is project-based but offers great experience.

5. Greenwood Levee District & Warren County Road Departments: While not private, these municipal and county entities are steady employers for CDL drivers operating dump trucks, street sweepers, and other heavy equipment for road maintenance and flood control. The work is stable, comes with government benefits, and follows a regular schedule.

6. Regional Grocery & Food Service Distributors: Companies like Performance Food Group and Ben E. Keith Foods have distribution centers that service the Delta. They hire drivers for regional routes delivering to grocery stores, restaurants, and institutions across Mississippi and Arkansas. These jobs are less tied to the river and offer consistent, predictable routes.

Insider Tip: The best time to look for jobs is late summer as companies ramp up for the harvest season. Also, many of these employers don’t list every opening on big job boards. Picking up the phone and calling their local office or visiting their HR department in person can often get you an interview faster than an online application.

Getting Licensed in MS

If you’re moving from out of state, the first thing you need to do is get your Mississippi Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail.

State-Specific Requirements:

1. Residency: You must establish Mississippi residency. This means getting a MS driver’s license, registering to vote, or other proof (like a utility bill or lease). You can start the process once you have a local address.
2. Medical Examiner's Certificate: You must pass a DOT physical from a certified medical examiner. This is a federal requirement. Many local clinics in Greenville (like Delta Health Center or private practices) offer this service. Cost: $100 - $150.
3. Knowledge and Skills Tests: You’ll need to pass the written knowledge test for the CDL permit, then the skills test (pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving). The skills test must be scheduled in advance, often with a long wait. It’s best to practice in the exact type of vehicle you’ll be tested in (e.g., a 53’ trailer).

Timeline and Costs:

• Permit: After establishing residency and passing the medical exam and written test, you can get your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP). You must hold the CLP for 14 days before you can take the skills test.
• Skills Test: Schedule this as soon as you get your CLP. Wait times at the MS Department of Public Safety (DPS) can be 2-4 weeks in some areas, though Greenville’s office may be less backed up than Jackson.
• Total Estimated Cost: $150 - $250 (for paperwork, permit fees, and the skills test). If you need to attend a CDL school, that’s a separate, significant cost (often $3,000 - $6,000), but many local employers offer tuition reimbursement for new hires.

Pro Tip: The DPS office in Greenville is at 1700 East Reed Rd. Call ahead to confirm hours and appointment requirements. Bring all your documents: proof of MS residency, Social Security card, and your current non-commercial driver’s license.

Best Neighborhoods for Heavy Truck Drivers

Where you live matters. You need a place with easy access to I-55, US 82, and the riverfront. Here are the top neighborhoods for a driver:

1. Northgate / North Greenville: This is the commercial and retail hub. You’ve got the Walmart Supercenter, numerous fast-food chains, and easy access to the major highways. Rents for a 1BR are around $650 - $750. The commute to most major employers (Dunavant, Bunge) is under 15 minutes. It’s convenient, no-nonsense, and everything you need is within a mile.

2. South Greenville / Hwy 82 Corridor: This area is closer to the river terminals and the industrial parks. It’s a bit quieter than Northgate but still has good access to services. Rents can be slightly lower, around $600 - $700. It’s ideal if you work at Bunge, ICM, or the levee district. The trade-off is a longer drive to grocery stores and restaurants.

3. Downtown Greenville: If you want some character, downtown is making a comeback. You’re close to the Mississippi River, the local art scene, and some of the better restaurants. However, it’s not truck-friendly. Street parking for a personal vehicle is fine, but you won’t be parking your rig here. Rents for historic lofts or apartments can be higher ($750 - $900). Best for drivers who work a regular 9-5 and want a more social, walkable environment after hours.

4. Rural Areas (e.g., near Leland or Benoit): If you want more land and a lower mortgage payment, driving 15-20 minutes into Greenville from a rural home is a popular choice. You can find a small house on an acre for under $1,000/month (mortgage + taxes). This is perfect if you have a family or want a quiet retreat. Just know you’ll be driving into town for all your groceries and services.

Commute Insight: Traffic in Greenville is not a real issue. The longest you’ll ever wait is at a drawbridge for a barge. Most commutes are 10-20 minutes, regardless of where you live. Choose your neighborhood based on lifestyle, not a fear of traffic.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Greenville, career growth for a Heavy Truck Driver isn’t about climbing a corporate ladder. It’s about gaining specialized skills, moving to better-paying niches, or becoming an owner-operator.

• Specialty Premiums: The money is in the specializations. HAZMAT endorsement can add $2 - $5/hour to your pay. Drivers with tanker experience (for liquid fertilizers or chemicals) and those who can handle oversized loads (for construction equipment) command the highest rates. A driver with a clean record and these endorsements can easily push their income from the median $50,541 to $60,000 - $70,000 in this market.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from company driver to trainer (mentoring new hires, which often comes with a pay bump), then to a dispatcher or operations manager role if you have a knack for logistics. It’s also common to see successful company drivers lease their own truck from the company (a "lease-op" model) to increase their take-home pay, though this comes with more risk and responsibility.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 4% job growth won’t change dramatically. Greenville will remain a stable, agricultural and logistics hub. The biggest variable will be the health of the Delta farming economy and the Mississippi River shipping industry. Automation is a distant threat in this region due to the unique, unpredictable driving conditions (mud roads, river ports, farm fields). Your job security is tied to your clean driving record and your willingness to adapt. The drivers who will thrive are those who get HAZMAT and tanker endorsements, build a reputation for reliability, and perhaps eventually buy their own truck to service local contracts.

The Verdict: Is Greenville Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Extremely Low Cost of Living: Your $50,541 salary stretches much further here.	Limited Job Market: Only 115 jobs and 4% growth means fewer openings and less competition for employers.
Stable, Niche Employers: Agribusiness and river logistics provide reliable, year-round work.	Isolation: You’re in the Delta, a 2-hour drive from Jackson or Memphis. Entertainment and travel options are limited.
No Traffic: Your commute is always short, saving you time and fuel.	Economic Vulnerability: The local economy is heavily tied to agriculture, which can be cyclical and affected by weather and global prices.
Easy Homeownership: Affordable housing makes buying a home a realistic goal within a few years.	Professional Development: Fewer industry conferences, training centers, or networking events compared to larger hubs.
Strong Community: It’s a small city where people know each other. A good reputation spreads fast.	Weather: Hot, humid summers and the constant, low-level risk of flooding can be a lifestyle adjustment.

Final Recommendation: Greenville is an excellent choice for the practical, stability-focused driver. If your primary goal is to maximize your quality of life on a solid, median salary—owning a home, having a short commute, and avoiding the chaos and high costs of big cities—Greenville is a fantastic fit. It’s not a place for someone chasing the highest possible salary or constant career advancement, but for building a comfortable, debt-free life, it’s hard to beat in the trucking industry.

FAQs

1. Is it hard to find parking for my rig in Greenville?
Yes, it can be. There are no large truck stops with ample parking within the city limits. Most drivers use the parking lots at the major employers (like Dunavant or Bunge) after hours, or they live in a neighborhood where they can legally park their tractor-trailer on their own property (check local ordinances!). The Love’s Travel Stop is just off I-55 in nearby Leland (about a 15-minute drive), which is a common spot for overnight parking.

2. What’s the driving like in the Delta?
It’s a mix. Highways like I-55 and US 82 are well-maintained. However, many rural and farm roads are unpaved (shell or dirt) and can be treacherous after heavy rain. You need experience with off-road driving and understanding how to handle a heavy load on soft surfaces. It’s a unique skill set that local employers value.

3. Are there opportunities for owner-operators in Greenville?
Absolutely. Many of the local agricultural companies and terminals work with owner-operators. You can secure contracts with Bunge, the river terminals, or even local construction firms. The key is networking. Join the local chapter of the Mississippi Trucking Association and attend community meetings. Your reputation as a reliable, safe driver is your best marketing tool here.

4. What’s the weather really like for trucking?
Hot and humid in the summer (your A/C will be working overtime). The biggest challenge is the spring flood season (March-May). The Mississippi River rises, and some low-lying roads and loading areas can become inaccessible. Companies plan for this, but it can disrupt schedules. Winters are mild, with occasional ice storms that can shut things down for a day or two.

5. Do I need a college degree to move up?
No. In Greenville, your degree is your CDL, your endorsements, and your safety record. Clear communication, a clean driving history, and the ability to problem-solve on the road