Truck Driver Salary in South Carolina 2026
The average truck driver salary in South Carolina is $1,674 per week as of 2026 — that's approximately $87,048 annually (or about $41.85 per hour) for qualified CDL drivers.
Truck driver salary in South Carolina, 2026
How much does a Truck Driver make in South Carolina?
South Carolina Salary Snapshot
South Carolina Truck Driver Pay at a Glance
Real wage data for South 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 $45.2k – $167.8k annually
$87,048
Average Annual Salary
$1,674
Average Weekly Pay
$41.85
Average Hourly Pay
$167.8k
Top Earners (High Range)
South Carolina City Breakdown
Truck Driver Salary by South Carolina City
Pay varies across the Palmetto State. Compare average earnings in South Carolina's top cities to find where your driving career pays the most – based on real Indeed data and regional market trends.
Charleston
$94,500/yr
Greenville
$91,200/yr
Spartanburg
$89,000/yr
Columbia
$87,100/yr
Florence
$82,500/yr
Myrtle Beach
$80,000/yr
Pay by Role
South Carolina Salary by Driver Type
Earnings shift depending on the type of driving you do. Compare South Carolina‑specific role averages to find the route that fits your income goals and lifestyle.
OTR Driver
$93,200/yr avg
Long-haul routes across multiple states, offering the highest earning potential in trucking.
View JobsRegional Driver
$87,800/yr avg
Multi-state routes within a defined region, balancing solid pay with more time at home.
View JobsLocal Driver
$79,200/yr avg
Short daily routes within a city or nearby area, ideal for drivers who want to be home every night.
View JobsDedicated Driver
$91,400/yr avg
Consistent routes for a single client, delivering predictable schedules and reliable income.
View JobsFlatbed Driver
$95,800/yr avg
Hauls oversized and open‑deck freight, commanding premium pay for specialized skill.
View JobsHazmat Driver
$107,200/yr avg
Transports hazardous materials and earns the highest average pay for certified specialists.
View JobsWhat Affects Truck Driver Salary in South Carolina?
Truck driver pay isn't determined by a single factor. This dashboard highlights the key elements that influence earnings in South Carolina and shows where drivers can maximize their income.
Strong Earnings in South Carolina
South Carolina truck drivers earn an average of $1,674 per week ($87,048/year), which is above the national average. Drivers with endorsements, dedicated routes, and strong safety records still have the opportunity to earn at the top of the range — up to $167,800 annually.
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 South Carolina, answered in plain terms — based on real Indeed data.
What is the average truck driver salary in South Carolina?
The average truck driver in South Carolina earns around $87,048 per year, which breaks down to roughly $1,674 per week or ~$41.85 per hour (based on a 40-hour week). Pay varies based on route type, experience, and the company you drive for. South Carolina salaries are above the national average, and drivers with specialized endorsements can earn well over the average — with top earners reaching up to $167,800 annually.
Which South Carolina city pays truck drivers the most?
Charleston ($94,500/year) leads the state as the primary port and freight hub along the I‑26 corridor, followed by Greenville ($91,200) in the booming I‑85 manufacturing and distribution belt and Spartanburg ($89,000) with its automotive logistics and inland port operations. Columbia ($87,100) sits at the crossroads of I‑20 and I‑26 near the state average, while Florence ($82,500) along I‑95 and Myrtle Beach ($80,000) in the coastal tourism region trend slightly lower due to smaller freight volumes. The highest‑paying companies in South Carolina specialize in dedicated OTR routes, hazmat freight, and port‑related logistics — especially around the Charleston, Greenville, and Spartanburg areas and the I‑85, I‑95, and I‑26 freight corridors.
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 South Carolina, specialized OTR routes — especially those connecting the Charleston port, Greenville-Spartanburg manufacturing hubs, and Columbia distribution centers to the Southeast and Midwest — 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 $87,048 South Carolina average. Top earners in South Carolina can make up to $167,800 per year.
How can truck drivers earn more in South 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 South Carolina companies offer salaries well above the state average for experienced drivers with the right credentials, especially in key logistics hubs like the Charleston port, Greenville-Spartanburg automotive manufacturing belt, and Columbia distribution networks and the growing freight corridors along I‑85, I‑95, and I‑26 that connect the Southeast to major markets across the region. The state's booming manufacturing, port operations, and agricultural sectors also create strong demand for specialized freight haulers.
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 South Carolina, hazmat drivers can earn well above the state average of $87,048, with top earners reaching up to $167,800 annually — especially those servicing the state's automotive manufacturing, port‑adjacent supply chains, and agricultural logistics across the Charleston, Greenville, and Columbia areas and along the I‑85, I‑95, and I‑26 corridors.
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