Truck Driver Salary in South Carolina
Based on 34K+ workers in South Carolina
Median Annual Salary (SC)
$51,130
$24.58/hr
vs National Average
$58,233
-12.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$39K – $77K
34K employed in South Carolina
The median Truck Driver salary in South Carolina is $51,130 per year, or approximately $25 per hour. This figure is 12.2% lower than the national average for this profession. With over 34,000 employed truck drivers, South Carolina offers a significant number of opportunities in this vital industry.
Several factors influence the Truck Driver salary in South Carolina. These include years of experience, the specific type of trucking (e.g., long-haul, local, specialized loads), the company's size and pay structure, and the driver's certifications or endorsements. The salary range for truck drivers in the state is between $39,330 and $77,070 annually.
Salary Distribution — Truck Driver in South Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $39,330 |
| 25th percentile | $46,290 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $51,130 |
| 75th percentile | $62,660 |
| 90th percentile | $77,070 |
Top-Paying Industries for Truck Driver (U.S.)
Which industries pay Truck Drivers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Truck Drivers in South Carolina tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $65,810 | 2K |
| Information | $63,030 | 1K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $61,740 | 10K |
| Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $60,100 | 960 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $60,030 | 1.2M |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Truck Driver in South Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (South Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $51,130 |
| 2026 (projected) | $52,664 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | South Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $51,130 | $58,233 |
| 2026 (projected) | $52,664 | $59,980 |
Truck Driver Salary by Experience Level in South Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $46,290 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $51,130 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $62,660 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $77,070 |
Truck Driver Salary in Other States
Related Truck Driver Salaries in South Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in South Carolina compare to Truck Driver ($51,130 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Truck Driver | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stocker and Order Filler in SC | $36,020 | -29.6% | $17.32/hr |
| Writer and Author in SC | $51,920 | +1.5% | $24.96/hr |
| Judicial Law Clerk in SC | $50,330 | -1.6% | $24.20/hr |
| Audio and Video Technician in SC | $52,000 | +1.7% | $25.00/hr |
| Computer User Support Specialist in SC | $52,080 | +1.9% | $25.04/hr |
| Mental Health Counselor in SC | $52,370 | +2.4% | $25.18/hr |
| Paralegal in SC | $53,880 | +5.4% | $25.90/hr |
| Plumber in SC | $53,940 | +5.5% | $25.93/hr |
| Automotive Service Technician in SC | $48,100 | -5.9% | $23.13/hr |
| Bookkeeper in SC | $47,940 | -6.2% | $23.05/hr |
| Maintenance and Repair Worker in SC | $47,880 | -6.4% | $23.02/hr |
| Dental Assistant in SC | $47,320 | -7.5% | $22.75/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for truck drivers in South Carolina?
- In South Carolina, the salary range for truck drivers typically falls between $39,330 and $77,070 annually. This means that while some drivers may earn closer to the lower end, experienced or specialized drivers can reach significantly higher incomes.
How does the average truck driver salary in South Carolina compare to the national average?
- The median Truck Driver salary in South Carolina is 12.2% lower than the national average. This suggests that, on average, truck drivers in South Carolina may earn less than their counterparts in other parts of the country.
What is the median annual income for a truck driver in South Carolina?
- The median annual income for a truck driver in South Carolina is $51,130. This represents the midpoint of salaries, with half of truck drivers earning more and half earning less.
Is the hourly wage for truck drivers in South Carolina around $25?
- Yes, the median hourly wage for truck drivers in South Carolina is approximately $25. This is derived from the median annual salary of $51,130, assuming a standard full-time work schedule.