Truck Driver Salary in Wilmington
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Wilmington, North Carolina. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$56,914
CDL-B Avg
$44,962
Non-CDL Avg
$36,425
Owner-Op Gross
$159,359
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Wilmington truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Wilmington
Wilmington's cost of living is 7% below the national average. Your trucking salary stretches further here than in most cities.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$56,914
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$61,198
After adjusting for Wilmington's cost of living index of 93, a CDL-A salary of $56,914 provides the same purchasing power as $61,198 in an average-cost area. Your money goes further in Wilmington than the raw salary suggests.
Wilmington vs North Carolina vs National Average
| Metric | Wilmington | NC Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $56,914 | $56,800 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$114 | ||
| vs National | $-1,796 | ||
| Cost of Living | 93 | 94 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $61,198 | $60,426 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Wilmington
Trucking pay in Wilmington has remained steady, supported by consistent freight demand from port operations and film production. The North Carolina market offers reliable work with predictable earnings for CDL drivers.
Top Paying Companies in Wilmington
These carriers and logistics companies offer some of the highest truck driver pay in the Wilmington area.
| Company | Avg Annual Pay |
|---|---|
| 1XPO Logistics | $65,130 |
| 2Southeastern Freight Lines | $63,126 |
| 3Werner Enterprises | $62,124 |
| 4Heartland Express | $60,120 |
Industries Driving Trucking Demand in Wilmington
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Wilmington market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Wilmington
Browse CDL driver positions in Wilmington, NC from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Wilmington
What is the average truck driver salary in Wilmington, NC?
CDL-A truck drivers in Wilmington, North Carolina earn an average of $56,914 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Wilmington market is influenced by port operations and film production freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Wilmington?
Owner-operators based in Wilmington gross approximately $159,359 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $60,556 to $76,492. The Wilmington area's cost of living index of 93 is below the national average by 7%.
Is Wilmington a good city for trucking jobs?
Wilmington offers strong trucking employment thanks to its port operations and film production sectors. The city's cost of living is below the national average, which means your paycheck goes further here than in many metros. CDL drivers with hazmat or tanker endorsements can earn 10-20% above the city average.