Truck Driver Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $42,931 (2026)

Truck Driver Pay in Winston-Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Winston-Salem offers a median truck driver salary of $42,931, which is $2,995 below the North Carolina state average of $45,926. Compared to the national median of $49,920, Winston-Salem pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Winston-Salem's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $42,931 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $49,920 in an average-cost city. This makes Winston-Salem an attractive option for truck drivers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for truck drivers in Winston-Salem spans from $28,552 at the 10th percentile to $67,080 at the 90th percentile — a $38,528 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,100, while senior truck drivers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $61,920. With a population of 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Truck Driver Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, an entry-level truck driver earns around $30,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $61,920 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$30,100

$-4,900 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$43,000

$-7,000 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$61,920

$-10,080 vs national

Percentile	Winston-Salem	NC State	National
10th Percentile	$28,552	$30,544	$33,200
25th Percentile	$34,572	$36,984	$40,200
Median (50th)	$42,931	$45,926	$49,920
75th Percentile	$54,868	$58,696	$63,800
90th Percentile	$67,080	$71,760	$78,000

Percentile

Winston-Salem

10th Percentile

$28,552

25th Percentile

$34,572

Median (50th)

$42,931

75th Percentile

$54,868

90th Percentile

$67,080

How to Become a Truck Driver in Winston-Salem

Education

Most truck driver positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Winston-Salem and the surrounding North Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

CDL LicenseRoute PlanningVehicle InspectionDOT RegulationsTime ManagementDefensive Driving

Job Outlook

Nationally, truck driver employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Winston-Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Truck Driver Salary in Winston-Salem

How much does a Truck Driver make in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

The median truck driver salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is $42,931 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $49,920. Salaries range from $28,552 (10th percentile) to $67,080 (90th percentile).

How much does a Truck Driver make per hour in Winston-Salem? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $42,931, a truck driver in Winston-Salem earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Winston-Salem compare to the North Carolina state average for truck driver pay? ▼

Winston-Salem's median truck driver salary of $42,931 is 6.5% below the North Carolina state average of $45,926. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a truck driver salary of $42,931 in Winston-Salem has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a truck driver in Winston-Salem? ▼

Most truck driver positions in Winston-Salem require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include CDL License, Route Planning, Vehicle Inspection, DOT Regulations. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.

Truck Driver Salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina