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How much can step deck owner-operators earn in Mississippi (MS)? Estimated rates, gross and net monthly income, cost of living impact, fuel costs, and top lanes in the Southeast region.
Rate Per Mile
$3.18
-0.6% vs national
Est. Gross Monthly
$22,260
-18.2% vs national
Est. Net Monthly
$14,031
After COL-adjusted expenses
| Metric | Mississippi | National Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rate/Mile | $3.18 | $3.20 | -0.6% |
| Gross Monthly | $22,260 | $27,200 | -18.2% |
| Est. Net Monthly | $14,031 | $17,680 | -20.6% |
| Cost of Living | 87 (Below Average) | 100 (Baseline) | -13% |
| Fuel Tax | 18.4c/gal | ~32c/gal | Below avg |
Mississippi's below-average cost of living (index 87) is a genuine advantage for step deck owner-operators. Your $3.18/mile rate stretches further here — fuel, food, housing, and operating costs are all lower than the national baseline. This makes MS one of the better states for net take-home pay.
| Category | Est. Monthly | % of Gross |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | $3,099 | 13.9% |
| Insurance | $890 | 4.0% |
| Truck Payment / Lease | $1,800 | 8.1% |
| Maintenance & Repairs | $1,113 | 5.0% |
| Tires | $300 | 1.3% |
| Permits & Licenses | $131 | 0.6% |
| Food & Living | $696 | 3.1% |
| Phone / Software | $200 | 0.9% |
| Total Expenses | $8,229 | 37.0% |
| Net Take-Home | $14,031 | 63.0% |
Expenses adjusted for Mississippi's cost of living index (87). Actual costs vary by individual circumstances.
Mississippi's fuel tax of 18.4 cents/gallon is below the national average (~32c), giving step deck carriers a fuel cost advantage. At 5-6 MPG, this saves approximately $204/month compared to higher-tax states. Combined with moderate freight volume, MS offers solid margin potential.
| State | Rate/Mile | Gross/Mo | Fuel Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi (MS) | $3.18 | $22,260 | 18.4c |
| Alabama (AL) | $3.12 | $21,840 | 29.2c |
| Arkansas (AR) | $3.38 | $23,660 | 24.8c |
| Florida (FL) | $3.49 | $24,430 | 36.525c |
| Georgia (GA) | $3.37 | $23,590 | 31.2c |
A good dispatch service can boost your per-mile rate by $0.15-$0.40 through better load negotiation, reduced deadhead, and detention pay recovery.