North Carolina ranks 47th of 51 states and D.C. for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers pay, trailing top-paying Alaska ($64,890) by $15,310 — a 31% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $38,550 to $73,040 — a $34,490 spread, 14% tighter than the national $40,160 range.
North Carolina employs roughly 3.1% of all heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers in the country (64,610 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $38,550 | $18.53 |
| 25th percentile | $45,240 | $21.75 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $49,580 | $23.84 |
| 75th percentile | $61,590 | $29.61 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $73,040 | $35.11 |
| Mean (average) | $53,990 | $25.96 |
How North Carolina Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina (current) | $49,580 | n/a |
| Alaska | $64,890 | +31% |
| New Jersey | $64,720 | +31% |
| Washington | $63,760 | +29% |
| District of Columbia | $63,610 | +28% |
| Oregon | $61,180 | +23% |
| Minnesota | $61,090 | +23% |
| Nevada | $60,900 | +23% |
| Massachusetts | $60,630 | +22% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in North Carolina
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Opticians, Dispensing | $49,570 | 1,890 |
| Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators | $49,710 | 3,420 |
| Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education | $49,400 | 44,040 |
| Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $49,390 | 12,270 |
| Surveying and Mapping Technicians | $49,780 | 4,510 |
| Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks | $49,830 | 12,550 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers salary in North Carolina?
The mean heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers salary in North Carolina is $53,990 per year. The median (middle) salary is $49,580 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in North Carolina?
Entry-level heavy and tractor-trailer truck driverss (10th percentile) in North Carolina typically earn around $38,550 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $45,240 per year.
What is the highest Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers salary in North Carolina?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in North Carolina make approximately $73,040 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $61,590 per year.
How does the North Carolina Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers salary compare to the national average?
The median heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers salary in North Carolina is $49,580, which is -14% below national average of $57,440.