If you're considering a CDL career in Georgia — or already driving and want to know if you're being paid fairly — this guide gives you the real 2026 numbers. We break down average truck driver salaries in Georgia by experience level, driving type, and city.
Average truck driver salary in Georgia: $57,200/year. Georgia has a state income tax (flat 5.49% rate for 2026) — moderate compared to high-tax states. Atlanta is one of the largest freight hubs in the southeastern US. Port of Savannah is the third busiest container port in the country.
Average Truck Driver Salary in Georgia (2026)
Based on 2026 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, ZipRecruiter, and Indeed, CDL drivers in Georgia earn the following by experience level:
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Per Hour (est.) | Per Week (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Driver (0–1 yr) | $43,000–$52,000 | $20–$25 | $826–$1,000 |
| Mid-Level (2–5 yrs) | $52,000–$63,000 | $25–$30 | $1,000–$1,211 |
| Experienced (5+ yrs) | $63,000–$76,000 | $30–$36 | $1,211–$1,461 |
| Owner Operator (gross) | $115,000–$175,000 | — | — |
Use our free Georgia salary calculator to get a personalized estimate based on your driving type, CDL class, and endorsements.
Truck Driver Salary by Driving Type in Georgia
| Driving Type | Avg Annual Salary | Home Time |
|---|---|---|
| OTR (Long Haul) | $61,000–$76,000 | Every 2–4 weeks |
| Regional | $53,000–$65,000 | Weekends home |
| Local / City | $47,000–$59,000 | Home nightly |
| Hazmat | $64,000–$87,000 | Varies |
| Tanker | $62,000–$85,000 | Varies |
Truck Driver Salary by City in Georgia
| City | Avg Annual Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | $59,000–$74,000 | Southeast distribution hub — one of the busiest freight cities in the country |
| Savannah | $57,000–$71,000 | Port of Savannah — third busiest US container port, high drayage demand |
| Columbus | $53,000–$65,000 | Manufacturing and military freight |
| Macon | $52,000–$64,000 | Central Georgia distribution corridor |
Top Trucking Companies Hiring in Georgia
- UPS — Major hub in Atlanta, large local and linehaul operation
- Home Depot — Headquartered in Atlanta, runs one of the largest private fleets in the country
- Coca-Cola — Distribution routes throughout Georgia, local and regional
- Werner Enterprises — Strong Southeast regional presence
- Port of Savannah drayage carriers — Some of the best-paying local CDL work in Georgia
How to Maximize Your Salary as a Georgia Truck Driver
- Port of Savannah drayage pays extremely well — Container moves at the Port of Savannah are in constant demand and pay above regional averages.
- Atlanta is a logistics powerhouse — Hartsfield-Jackson Airport drives enormous air cargo ground freight demand alongside the city's massive distribution industry.
- Home Depot and similar private fleets pay above market — Major retailers headquartered in Atlanta run private fleets that often pay 10–20% above commercial carriers.
- Get your Hazmat endorsement — Georgia's industrial and chemical manufacturing sectors create strong hazmat driver demand.
See how Georgia compares to all 50 states on our complete state salary comparison table. Georgia ranks solidly in the middle of states for CDL pay — but Atlanta's logistics dominance and the Port of Savannah create strong opportunities for above-average earnings, especially in specialized freight.
CDL Requirements in Georgia
To drive commercially in Georgia you need a valid Georgia CDL. Key requirements:
- Must be 18+ for intrastate (within Georgia) driving
- Must be 21+ for interstate (crossing state lines) driving — federal requirement in all states
- Valid Georgia driver's license and DOT medical certificate
- Pass written knowledge tests and a skills test
See our complete CDL guide for the full process. Want your CDL paid for? Read about companies that pay for CDL training — many operate throughout Georgia.
Bottom Line
Truck drivers in Georgia earn an average of $57,200/year in 2026 — with strong room to grow with experience, endorsements, and the right carrier. The CDL job market in Georgia remains strong, driven by consistent freight demand and a nationwide driver shortage.
Calculate Your Georgia Salary
Use our free calculator to see your estimated pay based on experience, driving type, and endorsements.
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