Truck Driver Salary in Columbia
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Columbia, 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 Columbia truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Columbia
Columbia's cost of living is 9% below the national average. Your trucking salary stretches further here than in most cities.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$57,907
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$63,634
After adjusting for Columbia's cost of living index of 91, a CDL-A salary of $57,907 provides the same purchasing power as $63,634 in an average-cost area. Your money goes further in Columbia than the raw salary suggests.
Columbia vs South Carolina vs National Average
| Metric | Columbia | SC Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $57,907 | $55,680 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$2,227 | ||
| vs National | $-803 | ||
| Cost of Living | 91 | 91 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $63,634 | $61,187 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Columbia
Truck driver wages in Columbia are trending upward, driven by growth in military (fort jackson) and distribution & logistics. E-commerce fulfillment expansion and high turnover across the South Carolina market continue to push pay higher.
Which carriers run freight through Columbia?
These are large carriers with a real presence in the region. We do not publish what any of them pays in Columbia — that is a number only the carrier and the driver know, and it moves with the account, the lane and your record.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 Columbia
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Columbia market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Columbia
Browse CDL driver positions in Columbia, SC from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Columbia
What is the average truck driver salary in Columbia, SC?
CDL-A truck drivers in Columbia, 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 Columbia market is influenced by military (fort jackson) and distribution & logistics freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Columbia?
Owner-operators based in Columbia 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 Columbia area's cost of living index of 91 is below the national average by 9%.
Is Columbia a good city for trucking jobs?
Columbia offers strong trucking employment thanks to its military (fort jackson) and distribution & logistics 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.