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Average Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC

Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC area earn an average annual salary of $52,300. This figure is notably below the national average of $58,380, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the specific needs of regional industries, play a significant role in compensation for this essential role.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $52,300 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $66,930.
  • Outlook: The local job market for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC, comprises a workforce of 710 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.65, the concentration of these drivers is below the national average, indicating a less saturated market relative to other occupations in the region. While not indicating an oversupply, it suggests a stable demand that aligns with the local economic landscape.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$52,300

The average Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC earns-10.4%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$25.1

Weekly

$1,006

Monthly

$4,358

Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary Distribution in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC

Salary progression for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers is typically tied to 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 tanker), and a clean driving record can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings reflect this career trajectory, rewarding accumulated expertise and reliability.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$38,410$18.5
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$39,225$18.9
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$50,730$24.4
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$65,375$31.4
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$66,930$32.2

Detailed Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$52,300

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$52,300

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $52,300 in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a truck driver's salary in this area is equivalent to the national standard, offering a balanced financial outlook for those considering relocation or residing locally.

Job Market Context

710

Total Jobs

8.677

Per 1K Jobs

0.65

Location Quotient

Below Average

Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC has 0.65x the national average concentration of Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A Location Quotient of 0.65 for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC, signifies that this occupation is less concentrated in the area compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, it is not a dominant industry sector locally, potentially leading to a more balanced employer-employee market rather than one heavily favoring employers or employees.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers

Comparing salaries near Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC

Hiring Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driverss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers make in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC?

The median annual salary for a Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC is $52,300. This typically ranges from $38,410 for entry-level positions to $66,930 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC is 10.4% lower than the national median of $58,380.

Is Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC a lucrative place for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers?

No, it is not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $52,300 is below the national average of $58,380, despite a cost of living that matches the national average.

Is Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC a good place to live for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers?

The Cost of Living Index in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC?

Some top paying nearby cities include Savannah, GA ($56,690) and Hinesville, GA.

How does the local workforce size impact job availability for truck drivers?

A local workforce of 710 drivers suggests a moderate-sized pool of professionals. While not extremely large, it indicates a consistent presence of these roles within the regional economy.

What does a Location Quotient of 0.65 mean for truck drivers in this area?

A Location Quotient below 1.0, like 0.65, means that truck driving jobs are less common per capita in Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC, than the national average. This could imply less competition for experienced drivers but also potentially fewer overall opportunities compared to more concentrated regions.

How does the cost of living affect the $52,300 salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $52,300 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average. This means that while the nominal pay is lower than the national average, the cost of goods and services locally does not exacerbate the difference.

Are there many truck driving jobs per 1,000 workers in this region?

With 8.677 jobs per 1,000 workers, the density of truck driving roles is moderate, reflecting the occupational mix within the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 710 employees in the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC area with a job density of 8.677 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.