Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary in Charlotte, NC-SC

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC

Median annual salary $51,930 -9.6% vs national
Median hourly $24.97
10th percentile $42,800
90th percentile $75,920
Employed locally 19,280
National median $57,440

Compare Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers salary & buying power

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Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
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    In Charlotte, NC-SC, heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers typically earn a median annual salary of $51,930, which equates to approximately $24.97 per hour. This figure is notably lower than the national median for this occupation, which stands at $57,440. When compared to local household incomes, the earnings of these workers fall short of the area's median household income of $80,201, highlighting a disparity between individual earnings and broader economic standards within the region. Despite this gap, the job market for truck drivers in Charlotte remains robust with an estimated 19,280 employed individuals, reflecting a relatively low local unemployment rate of 3.60%.

    At the entry-level, heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers in Charlotte earn near the 10th percentile at approximately $42,800 annually, while those further along in their careers can expect earnings closer to or beyond the 75th percentile mark, which is around $62,710. The substantial difference between these levels of experience can be attributed to factors such as tenure, skill level, and additional responsibilities that more experienced drivers typically assume. Moreover, drivers at the 90th percentile can earn up to $75,920 annually, underscoring the potential for significant income growth within this occupation through gaining experience and advancing skills over time.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $42,800
    25th
    $47,070
    50th (median)
    $51,930
    75th
    $62,710
    90th
    $75,920

    Charlotte economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.60% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $80,201 2023 • Census ACS
    Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers salary vs area income 65% Median Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers salary is 35% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers make per hour in Charlotte?

    The median hourly wage for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Charlotte, NC-SC is $24.97, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $37.26 or more per hour.

    Is Charlotte above or below average for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers salaries?

    The median Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers salary in Charlotte, NC-SC is 9.6% below the national median of $57,440. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Charlotte?

    Entry-level Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (10th percentile) earn around $42,800 per year in Charlotte, NC-SC. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $47,070.