BLS OEWS 2024 — SOC 53-3032: Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
National mean: $58,240/year · South Carolina: $54,600/year · Difference: -$3,640/year
| Metric | South Carolina | National |
|---|---|---|
| Mean Annual Wage | $54,600 | $58,240 |
| Mean Hourly Wage | $26.25 | $28.00 |
| Median Annual Wage | $51,810 | $57,440 |
| Median Hourly Wage | $24.91 | $27.62 |
| Drivers Employed | 30.3K | 2,070K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024 — SOC 53-3032: Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers.
The average (mean) truck driver salary in South Carolina is $54,600 per year ($26.25/hr) according to BLS OEWS 2024 data (SOC 53-3032). The median is $51,810/year. Approximately 30.3 thousand drivers work in this category in South Carolina.
South Carolina ranks #47 out of 50 states. The national mean is $58,240/year; South Carolina is $3,640 lower (-6.3%).
Pay depends on freight volume, proximity to major distribution hubs and ports, cost of living, employer type (private fleet vs. for-hire), experience, CDL endorsements, and route type (OTR vs. regional vs. local). Specialized freight — hazmat, reefer, flatbed, oversized — typically pays a premium over dry van rates in any state.