Average Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area earn an average annual salary of $55,360. This figure is slightly below the national average of $58,380, indicating localized economic factors and demand dynamics at play. While the nominal salary is lower, the cost of living in Durham-Chapel Hill is precisely at the national average, suggesting a comparable purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $55,360 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 34.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $77,590.
- Outlook: The Durham-Chapel Hill region employs 2,160 Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers, representing 6.304 jobs per 1,000 workers. With a Location Quotient of 0.47, the concentration of these roles is below the national average. This suggests that while there is a substantial workforce, the demand relative to other occupations might be less intense compared to national hubs, though the absolute number of jobs indicates a stable presence in the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC earns-5.2%below the national average.
$26.6
$1,065
$4,613
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this precise role in Durham-Chapel Hill is not provided, the trucking industry nationally has seen consistent demand and wage growth over the past four years, driven by e-commerce and supply chain needs. It is reasonable to assume that local salaries for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers have also experienced upward adjustments, reflecting broader industry trends and the ongoing need for skilled transportation professionals.
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary Distribution in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Salary progression for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers typically scales with experience and specialization. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience, specialized endorsements (like hazardous materials or doubles/triples), and clean driving records can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary data, though not detailed here, generally signify the career trajectory from novice to expert driver.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $38,940 | $18.7 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $41,520 | $20 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $52,100 | $25 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $69,200 | $33.3 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $77,590 | $37.3 |
Detailed Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$55,360
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$55,360
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $55,360 in Durham-Chapel Hill aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a truck driver's salary in this region is equivalent to that of a driver earning the national average in a location with average living expenses. Therefore, the nominal salary translates directly to the cost of maintaining a similar standard of living as the national average.
Job Market Context
2,160
Total Jobs
6.304
Per 1K Jobs
0.47
Location Quotient
At 0.47x, Durham-Chapel Hill, NC has a notably lower concentration of Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
A Location Quotient of 0.47 indicates that Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers are less concentrated in Durham-Chapel Hill compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market for these drivers is not as saturated relative to other professions within the region as it is nationally. While this might imply less intense competition for individual roles, it also points to a potentially smaller, albeit stable, demand pool compared to areas with higher LQs.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Raleigh-Cary, NC Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary | $55,020↓ 1% | 18 mi |
| Burlington, NC Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary | $52,760↓ 5% | 32 mi |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary | $55,830↑ 1% | 52 mi |
| Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary | $50,080↓ 10% | 56 mi |
| Western North Carolina nonmetropolitan area Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary | $52,060↓ 6% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Hiring Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driverss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers make in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The median annual salary for a Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $55,360. This typically ranges from $38,940 for entry-level positions to $77,590 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 5.2% lower than the national median of $58,380.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a lucrative place for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers?
No, it is not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $55,360 is below the national average of $58,380, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a good place to live for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers?
The Cost of Living Index in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Raleigh-Cary, NC ($55,020) and Burlington, NC.
How does the Durham-Chapel Hill truck driver salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Durham-Chapel Hill is $55,360, which is $3,020 less than the national average of $58,380.
What is the concentration of truck drivers in Durham-Chapel Hill?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.47, meaning there are fewer Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers relative to other occupations in Durham-Chapel Hill compared to the national average.
How many truck drivers are employed in Durham-Chapel Hill?
There are approximately 2,160 Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers employed in the Durham-Chapel Hill area.
Does the cost of living affect the perceived value of a truck driver's salary in Durham-Chapel Hill?
No, the cost of living in Durham-Chapel Hill is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $55,360 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary in a location with average living costs.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,160 employees in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area with a job density of 6.304 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC