Average Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary in Wilmington, NC
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Wilmington, NC, earn an average annual salary of $51,520. This figure is notably below the national average of $58,380, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and supply, may be influencing compensation in this coastal city. Factors specific to Wilmington's economy likely contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $51,520 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $67,570.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,950 Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers, Wilmington, NC, presents a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, job market for this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.78 indicates a slightly lower concentration of these drivers compared to the national average, suggesting that while opportunities exist, the field is not disproportionately represented within the local labor pool.
Salary Overview
The average Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Wilmington, NC earns-11.8%below the national average.
$24.8
$991
$4,293
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Wilmington is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in the region have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by increasing operational costs for businesses, a persistent demand for logistics services, and efforts to attract and retain skilled drivers in a competitive market.
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary Distribution in Wilmington, NC
Salary progression for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Wilmington, NC, typically correlates with experience and specialization. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience, specialized endorsements (like hazardous materials or doubles/triples), and a clean driving record can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles of the salary range.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $38,070 | $18.3 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $38,640 | $18.6 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $48,430 | $23.3 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $64,400 | $31 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $67,570 | $32.5 |
Detailed Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$51,520
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$51,520
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $51,520 in Wilmington, NC, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a truck driver's salary in Wilmington is equivalent to that of a driver in a typical U.S. city, making the nominal salary's value stable in terms of local expenses.
Job Market Context
1,950
Total Jobs
10.46
Per 1K Jobs
0.78
Location Quotient
Wilmington, NC has 0.78x 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 0.78 for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Wilmington, NC, signifies that this profession is less concentrated locally than the national average. This suggests that while there is a steady demand for these drivers, the market may not be saturated, potentially offering a balanced environment for job seekers looking for opportunities without intense competition.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville, NC Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary | $45,090↓ 12% | 46 mi |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary | $47,800↓ 7% | 67 mi |
| Goldsboro, NC Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary | $49,140↓ 5% | 81 mi |
| Fayetteville, NC Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary | $49,330↓ 4% | 87 mi |
| Greenville, NC Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary | $49,670↓ 4% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wilmington, NC
Hiring Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driverss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers make in Wilmington, NC?
The median annual salary for a Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Wilmington, NC is $51,520. This typically ranges from $38,070 for entry-level positions to $67,570 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wilmington, NC is 11.8% lower than the national median of $58,380.
Is Wilmington, NC a lucrative place for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the average salary of $51,520 is stable with the local cost of living, it falls below the national average, indicating less lucrative compensation opportunities in Wilmington.
Is Wilmington, NC a good place to live for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers?
The Cost of Living Index in Wilmington, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wilmington, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Jacksonville, NC ($45,090) and Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC.
How does Wilmington's truck driver salary compare to the national average?
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Wilmington, NC, earn an average of $51,520 annually, which is less than the national average of $58,380.
What is the cost of living in Wilmington, NC for truck drivers?
The cost of living in Wilmington, NC, is exactly at the national average, indicated by a Cost of Living Index of 100, meaning your salary has average purchasing power locally.
How concentrated is the truck driver job market in Wilmington, NC?
The job market for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Wilmington is slightly less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.78.
What is the total number of Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Wilmington, NC?
There are approximately 1,950 Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers employed in Wilmington, NC.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,950 employees in the Wilmington, NC area with a job density of 10.46 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 Wilmington, NC