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The truck driving industry in Mississippi is large and still growing, which makes it a good choice for those who want to start a new career.
But, how can you know what training you need and which school to enroll in?
Read on for some information on the subject along with tips that will help your search.
Article Table of Contents
Getting Trained as a Truck Driver
Mississippi has 18 trucking and diesel schools, and the tuition costs vary.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Ace Training Center | 6022 I 55 S, Byram, MS 39272 |
| Copiah-Lincoln Community College | 11 Co-Lin Cir, Natchez, MS 39120 |
| Copiah-Lincoln Community College | 1028 JC Redd Dr., Wesson, MS 39191 |
| Delta Technical College | 6550 D Interstate Blvd., Horn Lake, MS 38637 |
| Delta Technical College | 113 Market Ridge Drive, Ridgeland, MS 39157, USA |
| DSC Training Academy | 1840 S West St Ste A, Jackson, MS 39201 |
| East Central Community College - Louisville Career Advancement Center | 923 S Church St., Louisville, MS 39339 |
| East Central Community College - Philadelphia Neshoba County Career Technical Center | 900 Valley Dr., Philadelphia, MS 39350 |
| East Mississippi Community College | 8731 South Frontage Road, PO Box 100, Mayhew, MS 39753 |
| Itawamba Community College | 2176 S Eason Blvd, Tupelo, MS 38804 |
| Jones Junior College | 900 S Court St, Ellisville, MS 39437 |
| Kingdom CDL Services | 417 Highway 82 E., Indianola, MS 38751 |
| Meridian Community College | 910 Hwy 19 N., Meridian, MS 39307 |
| Miller-Motte Technical College – Gulfport, MS | 12121 Hwy 49 North, Gulfport, MS 39503 |
| Mississippi Delta Community College | Hwy 3 & Cherry St., Moorhead, MS 38761 |
| Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College - George County Center | 11203 Old Highway 63, Lucedale, MS 39452, USA |
| Northwest Mississippi Community College - DeSoto Center-Olive Branch | 8750 Deerfield Dr, Olive Branch, MS 36854 |
| Pearl River Community College | 101 Hwy 11 N, Poplarville, MS 39470 |
| Southwest Mississippi Community College | 1156 College Drive, Summit, MS 39666 |
| Truck Driver Institute | 20214 Hwy 49, Saucier, MS 39574 |
| Truck Driver Institute | 341 East Franklin Street, Tupelo, MS 38802 |
If you prefer having your fees covered by the school, you should look into a scholarship program.
In order to apply for a scholarship, you should reach out to the Mississippi Trucking Association.
The Mississippi Trucking Association Foundation provides several scholarships, such as the John Fayard Endowment, the Mike McLarty Endowment, and the H.Dean Cotten Endowment.
How to Choose a School
Picking a school to train requires some thought and analyzing your options.
If you don’t have too much time to invest in schooling, you can opt for a truck driver program.
Such a course generally lasts up to 8 weeks, after which you will take an exam.
However, a longer program, like the ones offered in diesel technology, gives you better job opportunities in the future.
A program that awards a degree in diesel technology can take up to 2 years, however, they are some that only last for one year.
When choosing a school, you should also think of the class size too.
Small class size allows you to interact more with your instructor, having your questions answered, and even more driving hours or lab hours.
Some of the schools providing small class sizes in this state are East Central CC Truck Driving Training, Holmes CC Truck Driver Training, and TDI Truck Driver Institute.
To become a diesel mechanic, you will need specific training.
Check out Hinds Community College, with a course that assists students to get their certification.
In addition to the regular training, you will also get to learn about the state laws regarding driving and licensure.
Job Opportunities in Mississippi
The license you get after your training will allow you to get hired right away.
If your school offered job placement, you can start working for the same company as soon as you complete your program.
As an entry-level commercial driver, you will fall on the low spectrum salary-wise.
However, your salary will grow after you get enough experience.
Having a specialization will also increase your chances of a higher wage.
The median salary you can expect as a truck driver in Mississippi is $38,476 per year, while the most you can expect in the same position is around $44,591.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Jackson | $39,552 |
| Gulfport | $38,887 |
| Southaven | $40,922 |
| Biloxi | $39,197 |
| Hattiesburg | $38,644 |
| Tupelo | $37,308 |
| Olive Branch | $40,819 |
| Meridian | $39,191 |
| Greenville | $39,316 |
| Horn Lake | $40,901 |
Regional Salary in Mississippi
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula, MS | 1,720 | $51,920 | $24.96 | $66,850 | $32,020 |
| Hattiesburg, MS | 970 | $51,080 | $24.56 | $76,020 | $29,230 |
| Jackson, MS | 6,660 | $59,790 | $28.74 | $85,140 | $31,450 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
When looking for a job, check out dealerships, trucking companies and repair shops.
Companies like C.R. England, Beacon Transport, and A&R Transport are the most well known in the state.
As reported by O*Net, truck driving jobs are meant to see a 6% growth between 2012 and 2022.
The same source shows that diesel technology jobs will grow by 6% during the same time period.
Conclusion
Working as a truck driver can be enriching and profitable.
All you need to do is get the proper training and skills to start on your chosen career path.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Truck Driver
CDL Schools by State