Truck Driver Salary in North Carolina 2026
The average truck driver salary in North Carolina is $1,668 per week as of 2026 — that's $86,736 annually (or $41.70 per hour) for qualified CDL drivers.
Truck driver salary in North Carolina, 2026
How much does a Truck Driver make in North Carolina?
North Carolina Salary Snapshot
North Carolina Truck Driver Pay at a Glance
Real wage data for North Carolina pulled together in one clear view, so you know exactly what to expect before you get behind the wheel. From entry-level to top earners, wages span $42.0k – $178.9k annually.
$86,736
Average Salary
$1,668
Average Weekly Pay
$41.70
Average Hourly Pay
$178.9k+
Top Earners
North Carolina City Breakdown
Truck Driver Salary by North Carolina City
Pay varies across the state. Compare average earnings in major North Carolina cities to find where your driving career pays the most – based on real Indeed data.
Charlotte
$93,500/yr
Raleigh
$90,200/yr
Greensboro
$87,000/yr
Wilmington
$85,000/yr
Fayetteville
$81,500/yr
Asheville
$78,500/yr
Pay by Role
North Carolina Salary by Driver Type
Earnings shift depending on the type of driving you do. Compare North Carolina‑specific role averages to find the route that fits your income goals and lifestyle.
OTR Driver
$90,500/yr avg
Long-haul routes across multiple states, offering the highest earning potential in trucking.
View JobsRegional Driver
$80,500/yr avg
Multi-state routes within a defined region, balancing solid pay with more time at home.
View JobsLocal Driver
$71,000/yr avg
Short daily routes within a city or nearby area, ideal for drivers who want to be home every night.
View JobsDedicated Driver
$85,500/yr avg
Consistent routes for a single client, delivering predictable schedules and reliable income.
View JobsFlatbed Driver
$94,500/yr avg
Hauls oversized and open-deck freight, commanding premium pay for specialized skill.
View JobsHazmat Driver
$99,000/yr avg
Transports hazardous materials and earns the highest average pay for certified specialists.
View JobsWhat Affects Truck Driver Salary?
Truck driver pay isn't determined by a single factor. This dashboard highlights the key elements that influence earnings in North Carolina and shows where drivers can maximize their income.
Competitive Earnings in North Carolina
North Carolina truck drivers earn an average of $1,668 per week ($86,736/year), which is right in line with the national average. Drivers with endorsements, dedicated routes, and strong safety records still have the opportunity to earn at the top of the range.
Experience
18%Route Type
24%CDL Endorsements
31%Miles Driven
21%Company
16%Driving Record
27%Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about truck driver pay in North Carolina, answered in plain terms — based on real Indeed data.
What is the average truck driver salary in North Carolina?
The average truck driver in North Carolina earns around $86,736 per year, which breaks down to roughly $1,668 per week or ~$41.70 per hour (based on a 40-hour week). Pay varies based on route type, experience, and the company you drive for. North Carolina salaries are on par with the national average, and drivers with specialized endorsements can earn well into the six-figure range — with top earners reaching over $178,900 annually.
Which North Carolina city pays truck drivers the most?
Charlotte leads the state with an average salary of $93,500 per year, driven by its major intermodal hub and high freight demand along the I‑85 corridor. Other high‑paying cities include Raleigh ($90,200), Greensboro ($87,000) — which is right around the state average — and Wilmington ($85,000), a coastal port city with growing logistics activity. Fayetteville ($81,500) and Asheville ($78,500) sit below the state average. The highest‑paying companies in North Carolina often specialize in dedicated OTR routes and hazmat freight, particularly around the Charlotte intermodal hub, the I‑85 corridor through Greensboro and Durham, the growing logistics zones near Raleigh, and the Port of Wilmington.
Do local drivers make more than OTR drivers?
Generally no. OTR drivers tend to earn more overall because of higher mileage and longer routes, while local drivers trade some income for the benefit of being home every day. In North Carolina, specialized OTR routes — especially those servicing the busy I‑85 and I‑40 corridors — can significantly boost earnings well beyond the state average.
Does experience affect truck driver salary?
Yes, significantly. Drivers with several years of clean‑record experience often qualify for premium routes and specialized freight, which can raise annual pay well above the $86,736 North Carolina average. Top earners in North Carolina can make over $178,900 per year.
How can truck drivers earn more in North Carolina?
Adding CDL endorsements (hazmat, tanker, doubles/triples), taking on flatbed or specialized freight, driving more miles, and maintaining a clean safety record are the fastest ways to increase earnings. Top North Carolina companies offer salaries well above the state average for experienced drivers with the right credentials, especially in logistics hubs like the Charlotte intermodal hub, the I‑85 corridor, the growing logistics zones near Raleigh, and the Port of Wilmington.
Are CDL endorsements worth it?
In most cases, yes. Endorsements like hazmat or tanker require extra testing but open access to specialized freight that pays noticeably more than standard routes. In North Carolina, hazmat drivers can earn well above the state average of $86,736, with top earners reaching over $178,900 annually — especially those servicing the region's busy logistics, manufacturing, and port‑related freight along the I‑85 and I‑40 corridors, as well as coastal routes through the Port of Wilmington.
Ready to Roll?
Let's Make It Happen.
Whether you're a driver ready for a better opportunity, or a carrier that needs qualified CDL talent — Remms is ready when you are.