Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary in South Carolina (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in South Carolina, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
South Carolina Median
$51,130
per year
Hourly Rate
$24.58
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-13% vs US median
US median $58,640
State Rank
#47 of 51
34,170 employed here

How much do Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers make in South Carolina?

Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers working in South Carolina earn a median salary of $51,130 per year, or about $24.58 per hour. That is 13% below the national median of $58,640 for this occupation.

Within South Carolina, entry-level pay starts around $39,330 while the top 10% make $77,070 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $46,290 and $62,660 a year.

Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers salary range in South Carolina

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$39,330$18.91
25th percentile (early career)$46,290$22.25
50th percentile (median)$51,130$24.58
75th percentile (experienced)$62,660$30.13
90th percentile (top earners)$77,070$37.05

How South Carolina compares

South Carolina ranks 47th out of 51 states and territories for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Alaska$70,100
2Washington$64,760
3District of Columbia$64,170
4New Jersey$63,570
5Massachusetts$63,030

Working as Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in South Carolina

Nationally, about 2,062,000 people work as Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.

Considering a move? Compare South Carolina pay ($51,130) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much do Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers make in South Carolina?
The median Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers salary in South Carolina is $51,130 per year, or about $24.58 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $39,330 at the entry level to $77,070 for the top 10% of earners.
How does South Carolina pay compare to the national average?
South Carolina pays Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers about 13% less than the national median of $58,640. South Carolina ranks 47th out of 51 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is South Carolina a good state for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $51,130 a year. About 34,170 Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers are employed in South Carolina. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in South Carolina?
The highest-paying occupations in South Carolina include General Internal Medicine Physician ($359,500), Neurologist ($352,680), Emergency Medicine Physician ($341,960), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.