Truck Driver Salary in Charleston
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Charleston, West Virginia. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$52,440
CDL-B Avg
$41,200
Non-CDL Avg
$46,530
Owner-Op Gross
$170,000
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 12% below the national average. Your trucking salary stretches further here than in most cities.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$52,440
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$59,591
After adjusting for Charleston's cost of living index of 88, a CDL-A salary of $52,440 provides the same purchasing power as $59,591 in an average-cost area. Your money goes further in Charleston than the raw salary suggests.
Charleston vs West Virginia vs National Average
| Metric | Charleston | WV Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $52,440 | $52,440 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$0 | ||
| vs National | $-6,270 | ||
| Cost of Living | 88 | 84 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $59,591 | $62,429 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Charleston
Trucking pay in Charleston has remained steady, supported by consistent freight demand from chemical manufacturing and coal & natural gas. The West Virginia market offers reliable work with predictable earnings for CDL drivers.
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 We do not publish what any of them pays in Charleston — that is a number only the carrier and the driver know, and it moves with the account, the lane and your record.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.
- Saia Inc.
- Old Dominion
- Estes Express
- XPO Logistics
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, WV from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Charleston
What is the average truck driver salary in Charleston, WV?
CDL-A truck drivers in Charleston, West Virginia earn an average of $52,440 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Charleston market is influenced by chemical manufacturing and coal & natural gas freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Charleston?
Owner-operators based in Charleston gross approximately $170,000 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $64,600 to $81,600. The Charleston area's cost of living index of 88 is below the national average by 12%.
Is Charleston a good city for trucking jobs?
Charleston offers strong trucking employment thanks to its chemical manufacturing and coal & natural gas 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.