Truck Driver Salary in Columbia, South Carolina
The median truck driver salary in Columbia, SC is $44,928 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% above the South Carolina state average.
Truck Driver Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)
Columbia offers a median truck driver salary of $44,928, which is $499 above the South Carolina state average of $44,429. Compared to the national median of $49,920, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.
Columbia's cost of living is 90% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.
The salary range for truck drivers in Columbia spans from $29,880 at the 10th percentile to $70,200 at the 90th percentile — a $40,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $31,500, while senior truck drivers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $64,800. With a population of 131,674, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Truck Driver Salary in Columbia by Experience
In Columbia, an entry-level truck driver earns around $31,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $64,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Columbia, SC
| Percentile | Columbia |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $29,880 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,180 |
| Median (50th) | $44,928 |
| 75th Percentile | $57,420 |
| 90th Percentile | $70,200 |
Truck Driver Salary in Other South Carolina Cities
How to Become a Truck Driver in Columbia
Education
Most truck driver positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Columbia and the surrounding South Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, truck driver employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Truck Driver Jobs in Columbia
Browse open truck driver positions in Columbia, SC: