How much does a CDL make in South Carolina? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a CDL in South Carolina is $56,128 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.

However, a CDL's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $68,463
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $50,122 to $62,585
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $44,654

Key Factors That Influence CDL Salaries

A CDL'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.

How Experience Level Affects CDL Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a CDL'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $41,578
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $46,474
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $54,783
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $56,402
  • Expert (over 8 years): $70,122
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Product Inspector I less than 1 year $41,578
Product Inspector II 1-2 years $46,474
CDL 2-4 years $54,783
Product Inspector IV 5-8 years $56,402
Product Quality Supervisor over 8 years $70,122

Top Paying Cities for CDL

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:

  • Spartanburg: $55,924
  • Boiling Springs: $55,927
  • Arcadia: $55,924

CDL Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For CDL roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 43% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, CDL positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view CDL as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a CDL

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology $67,353 $32.0 20%
Pharmaceuticals $66,231 $32.0 18%
Insurance $64,547 $31.0 15%
Healthcare $62,863 $30.0 12%
Internet $62,302 $30.0 11%

CDL Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a CDL'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.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$50,122
Average $56,128/year
$62,585
$4,177
Average $4,677/month
$5,215
$964
Average $1,079/week
$1,204
$24
Average $27/hour
$30
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $62,585 $5,215 $1,204 $30
Average $56,128 $4,677 $1,079 $27
25th Percentile $50,122 $4,177 $964 $24

Find Your Next CDL Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current CDL job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • R+L Carriers | Yemassee, SC

    CDL

    R+L Carriers | Yemassee, SC

    CDL A City P&D DriversFull-Time, Monday - Friday, Various ShiftsOur drivers are home every day. Earn 1 week of vacation after 90 days of employment and enj... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Palmetto Propane Inc | Moncks Corner, SC

    CDL

    Palmetto Propane Inc | Moncks Corner, SC

    Scope:Palmetto Propane, Fuels, and Ice is a leading provider of propane and fuel services across South Carolina. We are committed to delivering safe, relia... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Warren Transport | Pendleton, SC

    CDL

    Warren Transport | Pendleton, SC

    Lease Purchase CDL-A Drivers Drive Toward Ownership with Warren Transport Earn Up to $5,500 / Week Looking to own your truck without the upfront costs. War... more

    6 Days Ago

  • USA Truck | Rock Hill, SC

    CDL

    USA Truck | Rock Hill, SC

    CDL-A TEAM TRUCK DRIVER JOBSEstablished CDL-A truck driving teams have top earning power with high miles. USA Truck, a Certified Top Pay Carrier, offers en... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Kenan Advantage Group | North Augusta, SC

    CDL

    Kenan Advantage Group | North Augusta, SC

    KAG Energy, a division of Kenan Advantage Group, is currently hiring Local Truck Drivers in your area. Join KAG today to take advantage of great pay, compe... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Schneider | Rock Hill, SC

    CDL

    Schneider | Rock Hill, SC

    Intermodal truck driver Average pay:$1,130-$1,390 weekly Home time:Weekly Experience:3 months or greater CDL experience Overview Haul freight containers se... more

    6 Days Ago

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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