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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an OTR Truck Driver in North Carolina is $47,465 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.
However, an OTR Truck Driver's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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OTR Truck Driver Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $52,988 | $4,416 | $1,019 | $25 |
| Average | $47,465 | $3,955 | $913 | $23 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,199 | $3,600 | $831 | $21 |
CDN Logistics - Charlotte, NC
The Campbell's Company - Charlotte, NC
Jones Empire Transportation LLC - Charlotte, NC
Ten Eight Inc - Charlotte, NC
An OTR Truck Driver's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an OTR Truck Driver's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level OTR Truck Driver | $46,299 |
| Intermediate Level OTR Truck Driver | $47,059 |
| Senior Level OTR Truck Driver | $48,846 |
| Specialist Level OTR Truck Driver | $49,089 |
| Expert Level OTR Truck Driver | $49,495 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract OTR Truck Drivers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For OTR Truck Driver roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 106% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, OTR Truck Driver positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view OTR Truck Driver as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $66,451 | $32.0 | 40% |
| Energy & Utilities | $61,704 | $30.0 | 30% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $59,331 | $29.0 | 25% |
| Chemicals | $56,958 | $27.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $54,585 | $26.0 | 15% |
Understanding how an OTR Truck Driver's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $52,988 | $4,416 | $1,019 | $25 |
| Average | $47,465 | $3,955 | $913 | $23 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,199 | $3,600 | $831 | $21 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current OTR Truck Driver job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Big Wheels Trucking Llc
Denver, NC
Big Wheels Trucking Llc | Denver, NC
Job Description. Job Description. Salary. Drivers average between $1200-$1800. Job Description. Drivers must have class A CDL, minimum 3 years experience, ... more
3 Days Ago
Crete Carrier
Durham, NC
Crete Carrier | Durham, NC
Are you ready to take your driving career to the next level. Join Crete Carrier and Shaffer Trucking, where we offer flexible opportunities tailored to you... more
2 Days Ago
Knight Transportation
Charlotte, NC
Knight Transportation | Charlotte, NC
Knight Transportation - - Responsibilities: During training you will get real-world CDL A driving experience and learn critical skills. Training is perform... more
1 Day Ago
Schuster Company
Raleigh, NC
Schuster Company | Raleigh, NC
Join Our Team as an OTR Truck Driver. Drive Your Future to Success with Average Earnings of $90K Annually. Schuster is excited to offer a fantastic opportu... more
2 Days Ago
Smith Transport
Charlotte, NC
Smith Transport | Charlotte, NC
Join Our Team as a CDL-A OTR Truck Driver. Are you an experienced driver seeking an exciting opportunity. We provide Home Weekly on Week Days for 48 hours,... more
2 Days Ago
Walmart Stores
Shelby, NC
Walmart Stores | Shelby, NC
Walmart Stores | Medical, Dental, Vision, Rx + 401(k) with match + PTO + 100% Reimbursement of Tuition & Books | 200 Wal Mart Dr | Responsibilities: Plan d... more
4 Days Ago
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