Truck Driver Salary in Winston-Salem
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$58,042
CDL-B Avg
$47,320
Non-CDL Avg
$44,366
Owner-Op Gross
$205,920
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Winston-Salem truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Winston-Salem
Winston-Salem'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
$58,042
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$60,460
After adjusting for Winston-Salem's cost of living index of 96, a CDL-A salary of $58,042 provides the same purchasing power as $60,460 in an average-cost area. Your money goes further in Winston-Salem than the raw salary suggests.
Winston-Salem vs North Carolina vs National Average
| Metric | Winston-Salem | NC Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $58,042 | $55,810 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$2,232 | ||
| vs National | $-668 | ||
| Cost of Living | 96 | 94 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $60,460 | $59,372 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Winston-Salem
Truck driver wages in Winston-Salem are trending upward, driven by growth in healthcare & biotech and tobacco (legacy). E-commerce fulfillment expansion and high turnover across the North Carolina market continue to push pay higher.
Which carriers run freight through Winston-Salem?
These are large carriers with a real presence in the region. We do not publish what any of them pays in Winston-Salem — that is a number only the carrier and the driver know, and it moves with the account, the lane and your record. Ask for it in cents per mile alongside the expected weekly miles.
- Werner Enterprises
- Heartland Express
- USA Truck
- Averitt Express
Read our carrier profiles for pay structure, home time and equipment on each one.
Industries Driving Trucking Demand in Winston-Salem
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Winston-Salem market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Winston-Salem
Browse CDL driver positions in Winston-Salem, NC from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Winston-Salem
What is the average truck driver salary in Winston-Salem, NC?
CDL-A truck drivers in Winston-Salem, North Carolina earn an average of $58,042 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Winston-Salem market is influenced by healthcare & biotech and tobacco (legacy) freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Winston-Salem?
Owner-operators based in Winston-Salem gross approximately $205,920 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $78,250 to $98,842. The Winston-Salem area's cost of living index of 96 is near the national average.
Is Winston-Salem a good city for trucking jobs?
Winston-Salem offers strong trucking employment thanks to its healthcare & biotech and tobacco (legacy) sectors. The city's cost of living is near 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.