Here is a comprehensive career guide for Heavy Truck Drivers considering a move to Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

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The Hattiesburg Heavy Truck Driver: A Local’s Guide to Salary, Jobs, and Life

If you're a heavy truck driver looking to plant roots in a city with a low cost of living and steady regional demand, Hattiesburg deserves a hard look. As someone who’s spent years analyzing the local economy here, I can tell you this isn’t a booming logistics hub like Memphis or Atlanta, but it’s a solid, stable market for drivers who value affordability over high-stakes traffic.

Hattiesburg is a regional medical and educational center, which means the demand for freight—medical supplies, construction materials, and goods for the military base—is consistent. The cost of living is a major draw. With a Cost of Living Index of 89.3 (where the U.S. average is 100), your paycheck stretches significantly further here than on the coasts or in major metros.

This guide breaks down the real numbers, the local employers, and the lifestyle you can expect. We're using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Mississippi Department of Transportation, and local market knowledge to give you a clear picture.

The Salary Picture: Where Hattiesburg Stands

Let's get straight to the numbers. The median salary for Heavy Truck Drivers in the Hattiesburg metro is $51,385 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $24.70. It's important to note that this is slightly below the national average of $53,090 per year. However, that national figure includes high-cost areas like California and New York. When you adjust for Hattiesburg’s cost of living, that $51,385 feels more like $62,000+ in a national context.

The job market here is modest but steady. There are approximately 194 heavy truck driver jobs in the metro area. The 10-year job growth is projected at 4%, which is slower than the national average but indicates stability, not decline. The key here is the military presence. Naval Air Station (NAS) Meridian and the surrounding defense contractors create a consistent flow of specialized freight, insulating the local market from some of the volatility seen elsewhere.

Experience-Level Breakdown

While the median is $51,385, your actual earnings will depend heavily on your experience, the type of driving you do (regional vs. local), and whether you're an owner-operator. Here’s a realistic breakdown for the Hattiesburg area.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Typical Local Roles
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$38,000 - $46,000	Local delivery, yard jockey, regional OTR trainee
Mid-Level	2-5 years	$46,000 - $58,000	Regional OTR, dedicated accounts, tanker driver
Senior	5-10 years	$58,000 - $72,000	Owner-operator (leased), specialized haul, trainer
Expert	10+ years	$72,000+	Owner-operator (own authority), fleet manager, consultant

Comparison to Other Mississippi Cities

Hattiesburg offers a unique balance. It's not the highest-paying market in the state, but it's far from the lowest, and the cost of living makes it one of the most livable.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index	Metro Population	Key Industries
Hattiesburg	$51,385	89.3	48,507	Medical, Education, Military, Manufacturing
Jackson	$52,100	88.5	576,000	Government, Insurance, Healthcare
Gulfport-Biloxi	$48,950	92.1	415,000	Tourism, Port Operations, Shipbuilding
Tupelo	$49,800	87.9	38,000	Manufacturing (Furniture), Automotive

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the median salary. The port of Gulfport has more volume, but Hattiesburg's inland location means more "last-mile" and regional hauls, which often have better home-time schedules than long-haul coastal routes.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary is just a number until you see what’s left after Uncle Sam and your landlord take their share. In Hattiesburg, the math works in your favor.

Let’s break down the monthly budget for a single driver earning the median salary of $51,385.

Assumptions:

• Gross Monthly Pay: $4,282
• Taxes & Deductions (Est. 25%): -$1,070 (FICA, federal/state tax, basic insurance)
• Net Take-Home Pay: ~$3,212/month

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Rent (1BR Average): -$906
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet): -$180
• Groceries: -$350
• Gas/Car Insurance (for personal vehicle): -$250
• Health Insurance (if not provided by employer): -$300
• Retirement/Personal Savings (10%): -$428
• Discretionary Spending: $798

This leaves a healthy cushion for discretionary spending, which is one of Hattiesburg's biggest selling points. The average 1BR rent of $906/month is significantly below the national average, freeing up hundreds of dollars that would be consumed by rent in larger cities.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Yes, absolutely. With a net take-home of ~$3,212/month, a driver can comfortably afford a mortgage. The median home price in Hattiesburg is around $175,000. On a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% interest, the monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) would be roughly $1,300-$1,400. This is well within the recommended 28-30% of gross income guideline. Building equity here is a realistic and wise long-term financial move.

Where the Jobs Are: Hattiesburg's Major Employers

Hattiesburg's job market is anchored by healthcare, education, and the military. This diversity creates a steady demand for truck drivers to move everything from medical supplies to construction materials.

1. The University of Southern Mississippi (USM): A massive employer. Drivers are needed for campus logistics, moving equipment for the athletic department, and delivering supplies to dining halls and research facilities. They often hire directly for local routes with excellent home-time.
2. Forrest General Hospital (now part of Forrest Health): The largest medical center in the region. They contract with local and regional carriers for dedicated routes moving medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, and linens. Stability is key here—healthcare freight is recession-resistant.
3. Hattiesburg Public School District: Requires drivers for a fleet of school buses, but also has logistics needs for moving supplies between schools, maintenance equipment, and cafeteria goods. This is a great option for drivers who prefer a day-shift schedule.
4. Local Construction & Materials Companies (e.g., Thompson Tractor, local lumber yards): Hattiesburg is in a constant state of growth. Companies like Thompson Tractor (CAT dealership) and local building supply firms (like McCoy's Building Supply) need flatbed and dump truck drivers to support the booming construction sector, especially around the new developments near I-59.
5. Naval Air Station (NAS) Meridian Contractors: While the base is 45 minutes north in Meridian, the supply chain runs through Hattiesburg. Defense contractors like L3Harris Technologies and logistics firms servicing the base frequently hire drivers with a CDL and a clean record. A TWIC card is often required and is a major advantage.
6. Regional LTL Carriers (YRC, Old Dominion, FedEx Freight): These companies have terminals in or near Hattiesburg. They handle less-than-truckload freight for the region's manufacturing and retail sectors. Jobs here are typically line-haul or city delivery, offering a mix of regional and local routes.
7. Waste Management & Sanitation: The City of Hattiesburg and private waste companies like Republic Services are always hiring dump truck and roll-off drivers. These are stable, local jobs with predictable schedules.

Hiring Trend: There's a slight shift toward local and regional dedicated accounts. Companies are offering better home-time to attract and retain drivers. OTR positions are still available, but the premium for being gone for weeks at a time is less attractive to many drivers who can earn a similar salary being home most nights.

Getting Licensed in MS

Mississippi's requirements are standard, but there are specifics you need to know.

• CDL Requirements: You must be 18 for intrastate (MS only) and 21 for interstate (crossing state lines). You'll need a valid Mississippi driver's license, pass a vision test, and clear a medical exam via a certified DOT physical.
• Knowledge & Skills Tests: You'll take the general knowledge test, plus endorsements for your desired vehicle (e.g., Air Brakes, Tanker, Hazmat). The skills test (pre-trip, basic control, road test) must be taken in the vehicle you intend to drive.
• Cost: The total cost is relatively low.
  • CDL Application Fee: ~$25
  • DOT Physical: ~$100-$150
  • Testing Fees: ~$50-$75
  • Total Upfront Cost (without school): ~$175 - $250
• Timeline: If you study independently and use a truck you have access to, you can get your CDL in 4-6 weeks. Attending a community college program (like the one at Jones County Junior College) takes about 8-12 weeks but provides structured training and job placement assistance.

Insider Tip: Mississippi offers a CDL grant program through the Mississippi Works Fund, which can cover tuition for eligible candidates at approved schools. It's worth checking with the Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES).

Best Neighborhoods for Heavy Truck Drivers

Where you live in Hattiesburg can affect your commute, especially if you're driving a truck. Here are the top neighborhoods, balancing commute, amenities, and truck-friendly access.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Truck-Friendly Notes
West Hattiesburg (Hardy Street Corridor)	Commercial, close to I-59, USM. Quick access to most employers.	$950 - $1,100	Excellent. Easy access to I-59 for regional routes. Many apartment complexes with larger parking.
Oak Grove	Suburban, family-friendly, top-rated schools. 10-15 mins to I-59.	$900 - $1,000	Good. Less traffic, but slightly longer commute to downtown. Ideal for drivers with families.
Downtown Hattiesburg	Historic, walkable, trendy. 5-10 mins to major hospitals.	$800 - $950	Challenging. Narrower streets and older infrastructure. Best for drivers who don't need to park a rig at home.
Petal (Just South)	Small-town feel, great schools, lower cost of living. 10-15 mins to Hattiesburg core.	$750 - $900	Very Good. Direct access to US 11 and I-59. Less congestion than Hattiesburg proper.
East Hattiesburg (Near Camp Shelby)	Quiet, more rural feel. Proximity to military logistics.	$800 - $950	Excellent. Direct routes to NAS Meridian and I-59. Good for drivers working with military contractors.

Personal Insight: For a heavy truck driver, West Hattiesburg or Petal are the sweet spots. You get easy highway access without the downtown congestion, and the rent is manageable. If you have a family, Oak Grove is unbeatable for the school system and safety.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Hattiesburg isn't a career dead-end; it's a stable platform for growth. The key is specializing.

• Specialty Premiums: Drivers with Hazmat (H) and Tanker (N) endorsements can command a premium of $2-$4/hour above base rates. This is crucial for roles with fuel companies or chemical suppliers servicing local industry. A TWIC card is non-negotiable for any jobs touching the Port of Gulfport or military bases.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Company Driver to Trainer: Senior drivers can earn an extra $5,000-$10,000/year by training new hires for local carriers or trucking schools.
  2. Owner-Operator: This is the biggest leap. With a low cost of living, you can save for a down payment on a truck faster. Local owner-operators running dedicated accounts for companies like USM or Forrest Health can see net incomes of $75,000+.
  3. Fleet Manager/Dispatcher: After a decade of experience, moving into a managerial role at a local terminal or logistics company offers a stable, home-based career.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 4% growth projection is conservative. It assumes no major industrial shifts. However, the expansion of the USM campus, ongoing medical center growth, and potential for new manufacturing (given the state's incentives) could push actual growth closer to 6-7%. The rise of e-commerce will also fuel demand for local delivery and last-mile logistics drivers.

The Verdict: Is Hattiesburg Right for You?

Hattiesburg is a pragmatic choice. It won't offer the highest salaries or the most glamorous routes, but it delivers on what matters most for a sustainable career: affordability, stability, and quality of life.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary stretches significantly further.	Lower Median Salary: Pay is below the national average.
Stable, Diverse Employers: Healthcare, education, and military insulate the market.	Slower Job Growth: Less dynamic than major logistics hubs.
Manageable Traffic: Commutes are short, even during peak hours.	Limited Nightlife/Entertainment: It's a college town, but not a major metro.
Good Home-Time Opportunities: Many local and regional routes keep you close to home.	Summers are Hot & Humid: Weather can be a factor for outdoor work.
Friendly Community: Easy to integrate and build a local network.	Limited Public Transit: You'll need a personal vehicle for errands.

Final Recommendation: Hattiesburg is an excellent choice for mid-career drivers (5-15 years experience) looking to buy a home, raise a family, or transition from OTR to a regional/local lifestyle. It's also a smart move for new drivers who want to start their career in an affordable market with stable employers before potentially moving to a higher-cost, higher-pay area. If your priority is maximizing income above all else, look elsewhere. If you want a balanced, affordable career with solid earning potential, Hattiesburg is a hidden gem.

FAQs

Q: What's the best way to find a job in Hattiesburg?
A: Beyond the usual sites like Indeed and CDL Jobs, check directly with the employers listed above. The Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES) also has a job board focused on local positions. Networking with drivers at the local truck stops (like the Pilot off I-59) is an underutilized but effective strategy.

Q: Is it easy to find truck parking overnight in Hattiesburg?
A: Yes, it's much easier than in a major city. Most apartments in West Hattiesburg, Oak Grove, and Petal have ample parking. For OTR drivers, there are several truck stops along I-59 (Pilot, Love's) with secure parking. For local drivers, many employers offer secured yard parking.

Q: How does the weather affect driving here?
A: Summers are long, hot, and humid, which can be fatiguing. Winters are mild, but we do get occasional ice storms (the "black ice" is real). Tornadoes are a seasonal risk (spring). Most local carriers have good weather policies, but you should be prepared for all four seasons.

Q: Are there any local trucking associations or groups?
A: Yes, the Mississippi Trucking Association (MTA) has a regional presence. There are also informal driver meet-ups and training events organized by local community colleges and carriers. It's a good way to stay updated on local regulations and job openings.

Q: What about the cost of living for a family?
A: Hattiesburg is very family-friendly. The average 3BR rent is around $1,200-$1,400, and the public school system in Oak Grove and Petal is highly rated. With the median salary of $51,385, a dual-income household can live very comfortably.

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*Data Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau, Zillow Rent Data, Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) Cost of Living Index, Mississippi Department of Transportation,