Truck Driver Salary in Charleston
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Charleston, South Carolina. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$57,790
CDL-B Avg
$43,343
Non-CDL Avg
$36,986
Owner-Op Gross
$150,254
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Charleston truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Charleston
Charleston's cost of living is near the national average, offering a balanced ratio of salary to expenses for truck drivers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$57,790
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$55,038
After adjusting for Charleston's cost of living index of 105, a CDL-A salary of $57,790 provides the same purchasing power as $55,038 in an average-cost area. The higher nominal salary is partially offset by higher local expenses.
Charleston vs South Carolina vs National Average
| Metric | Charleston | SC Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $57,790 | $54,800 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$2,990 | ||
| vs National | $-920 | ||
| Cost of Living | 105 | 91 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $55,038 | $60,220 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Charleston
Truck driver wages in Charleston are trending upward, driven by growth in port operations and automotive (bmw, volvo). E-commerce fulfillment expansion and a persistent driver shortage in the South Carolina market continue to push pay higher.
Top Paying Companies in Charleston
These carriers and logistics companies offer some of the highest truck driver pay in the Charleston area.
| Company | Avg Annual Pay |
|---|---|
| 1Old Dominion | $75,928 |
| 2FedEx Freight | $71,710 |
| 3Averitt Express | $67,492 |
| 4USA Truck | $61,164 |
Industries Driving Trucking Demand in Charleston
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Charleston market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Charleston
Browse CDL driver positions in Charleston, SC from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Charleston
What is the average truck driver salary in Charleston, SC?
CDL-A truck drivers in Charleston, South Carolina earn an average of $57,790 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Charleston market is influenced by port operations and automotive (bmw, volvo) freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Charleston?
Owner-operators based in Charleston gross approximately $150,254 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $57,097 to $72,122. The Charleston area's cost of living index of 105 is near the national average.
Is Charleston a good city for trucking jobs?
Charleston offers strong trucking employment thanks to its port operations and automotive (bmw, volvo) sectors. The city's cost of living is near the national average, which provides a balanced ratio of earnings to expenses. CDL drivers with hazmat or tanker endorsements can earn 10-20% above the city average.