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
$57,907
CDL-B Avg
$45,968
Non-CDL Avg
$43,170
Owner-Op Gross
$197,600
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
$57,907
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$55,150
After adjusting for Charleston's cost of living index of 105, a CDL-A salary of $57,907 provides the same purchasing power as $55,150 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 | $57,907 | $55,680 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$2,227 | ||
| vs National | $-803 | ||
| Cost of Living | 105 | 91 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $55,150 | $61,187 | $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 high turnover across the South Carolina market continue to push pay higher.
Which carriers run freight through Charleston?
These are large carriers with a real presence in the region. We do not publish what any of them pays in Charleston — that is a number only the carrier and the driver know, and it moves with the account, the lane and your record.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 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 $57,907 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 $197,600 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $75,088 to $94,848. 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.