Truck Driver salary in North Carolina
A strong career option in North Carolina — with programs that take 3 to 7 weeks to complete.
Median pay · May 2025
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
$51,530/ yr
$4,294 / mo · $24.77 / hr
↓ $7,110 below the national median ($58,640)
Pay by experience
Entry
$39,395
Median
$51,530
Experienced
$76,357
Demand
Stable
Program length
3 to 7 weeks
Projected growth
+4.0%
Annual openings
237,600
Market trajectory
BLS national wage benchmarks
How North Carolina compares to the national wage trend
North Carolina median
$51,530
2025 national
$58,640
2024 national
$57,440
↑ +2.1% change in national average wages for this field over the last year.
Job demand & outlook
+4.0% projected growth through 2034
237,600 average annual openings nationwide for Truck Drivers.
Source: BLS Employment Projections
Where this career can take you
A clear progression path, with real salary growth at each step
- State Certificate$50,559
- Professional Certification / Diploma$53,771
- Professional Certification / Bootcamp$88,192
- Associate Degree$80,408
Is this career change worth it?
A simple look at what it costs vs what you gain
What it typically costs
- Average training cost$2,478
- Time to complete3 to 7 weeks
- Credential earnedState Certificate
What you get back
- Starting salary$39,395
- Median salary$51,530
- Experienced salary$76,357
Many career changers recoup their certification cost within the first few months of working in their new role.
How to become a Truck Driver in North Carolina
A clear path from where you are to where you want to be
Find a Truck Driver program in North Carolina
Browse certified training programs. Most Truck Driver tracks complete in 3 to 7 weeks and average $2,478 in tuition.
Earn your State Certificate
Complete coursework, finish required clinical or lab hours, and pass the exam required for a State Certificate in North Carolina.
Get hired in North Carolina
With roughly 237,600 Truck Driver openings each year nationwide, graduates often find employment within 30–90 days in North Carolina.
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Frequently asked questions
The median salary for a Truck Driver in North Carolina is $51,530 per year, which is $24.77 per hour. Entry level positions typically start around $39,395 while experienced Truck Drivers can earn up to $76,357 annually.
Next step
Find Truck Driver Classes Near You
Enter your ZIP code to see accredited Truck Driver classes in your area.