Truck Driver Salaries in South Carolina — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026How much does a truck driver make in South Carolina? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $51,810/yr ($24.91/hr), with around 32,700 people working in this field statewide.
Truck Driver salaries in South Carolina are below the national average by approximately $4,682. South Carolina has a state income tax rate of up to 6.4%.
South Carolina's growing population and construction boom create consistent demand for truck drivers.
South Carolina Truck Driver Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in South Carolina after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. South Carolina has a state income tax rate of up to 6.4%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. South Carolina has a state income tax rate of up to 6.4%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — South Carolina Truck Driver Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the South Carolina median of $51,810.
Truck Driver Salary by Experience — South Carolina
Truck Driver Salary Trend in South Carolina — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataTruck Driver salaries in South Carolina have grown an estimated 13.9% over the past five years, reflecting broader workforce and economic conditions. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in South Carolina's freight and logistics.
Truck Driver Salary by City — South Carolina
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia | $57,500 | $27.64 | +11.0% | 11,445 |
| Charleston | $54,900 | $26.39 | +6.0% | 9,156 |
| North Charleston | $53,350 | $25.65 | +3.0% | 5,886 |
| Mount Pleasant | $49,750 | $23.92 | -4.0% | 2,943 |
| Greenville | $47,150 | $22.67 | -9.0% | 1,962 |
| Rock Hill | $45,050 | $21.66 | -13.0% | 1,308 |
Tip: Columbia offers the highest truck driver salaries in South Carolina at $57,500/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
South Carolina vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, South Carolina sits in the mid-range for truck drivers.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. South Carolina has a state income tax rate of up to 6.4%.
Truck Driver Job Outlook in South Carolina
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for truck drivers in South Carolina is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the South Carolina job market. South Carolina's growing population and construction boom create consistent demand for truck drivers.
How to Earn More as a Truck Driver in South Carolina
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a truck driver in South Carolina typically adds $42,500 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State DMV — CDL Licence can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Columbia pays truck drivers $57,500/yr — +11.0% above the South Carolina average. Simply relocating within South Carolina can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Truck Drivers who specialise in freight and logistics typically command premium rates in South Carolina. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. North Carolina pays truck drivers $49,580/yr — -4.3% vs South Carolina.
Find Truck Driver Jobs in South Carolina
Live ListingsSearch current truck driver job vacancies in South Carolina:
🔍 Truck Driver jobs in South Carolina — Indeed→ 🔍 Truck Driver jobs in South Carolina — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Truck Driver jobs — Columbia, SC→