If you're considering a CDL career in Tennessee — 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 Tennessee by experience level, driving type, and city.
Average truck driver salary in Tennessee: $54,200/year. Tennessee has no state income tax on wages — every dollar you earn stays in your pocket. Geographically centered in the eastern US — ideal for regional and OTR drivers. Nashville and Memphis are major freight hubs. Home to hundreds of distribution centers.
Average Truck Driver Salary in Tennessee (2026)
Based on 2026 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, ZipRecruiter, and Indeed, CDL drivers in Tennessee earn the following by experience level:
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Per Hour (est.) | Per Week (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Driver (0–1 yr) | $40,000–$49,000 | $19–$23 | $769–$942 |
| Mid-Level (2–5 yrs) | $49,000–$60,000 | $23–$28 | $942–$1,153 |
| Experienced (5+ yrs) | $60,000–$73,000 | $28–$35 | $1,153–$1,403 |
| Owner Operator (gross) | $110,000–$165,000 | — | — |
Use our free Tennessee salary calculator to get a personalized estimate based on your driving type, CDL class, and endorsements.
Truck Driver Salary by Driving Type in Tennessee
| Driving Type | Avg Annual Salary | Home Time |
|---|---|---|
| OTR (Long Haul) | $58,000–$72,000 | Every 2–4 weeks |
| Regional | $50,000–$62,000 | Weekends home |
| Local / City | $44,000–$56,000 | Home nightly |
| Hazmat | $61,000–$82,000 | Varies |
| Tanker | $59,000–$80,000 | Varies |
Truck Driver Salary by City in Tennessee
| City | Avg Annual Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville | $55,000–$68,000 | Fastest-growing city in the Southeast — massive distribution demand |
| Memphis | $54,000–$67,000 | FedEx World Hub — one of the most important freight cities in the US |
| Knoxville | $52,000–$64,000 | I-40/I-75 intersection — major freight corridor crossroads |
| Chattanooga | $52,000–$64,000 | Manufacturing and automotive freight — Volkswagen plant nearby |
Top Trucking Companies Hiring in Tennessee
- FedEx — World Hub in Memphis, massive hiring across all driving types
- Dollar General — Headquartered in Goodlettsville, runs a large private fleet with competitive pay
- Amazon — Major fulfillment centers across Tennessee driving strong local and linehaul demand
- Averitt Express — Tennessee-based regional carrier with strong culture and solid pay
- Werner Enterprises — Strong OTR and regional presence through Tennessee corridors
How to Maximize Your Salary as a Tennessee Truck Driver
- No state income tax is a significant advantage — A $54,000 salary in Tennessee effectively compares to $60,000+ in high-tax states like California or New York.
- Memphis is a freight goldmine — FedEx World Hub processes millions of packages daily. Driver demand around Memphis is consistently high.
- Nashville's growth creates strong local demand — The city's rapid population growth means constant need for local delivery and distribution drivers.
- Central location maximizes regional driving — Tennessee sits within a day's drive of most major eastern US markets, making it ideal for regional routes.
See how Tennessee compares to all 50 states on our complete state salary comparison table. Tennessee sits slightly below the national average in raw salary — but with no state income tax and a central US location ideal for regional driving, it is one of the best overall value states for CDL drivers.
CDL Requirements in Tennessee
To drive commercially in Tennessee you need a valid Tennessee CDL. Key requirements:
- Must be 18+ for intrastate (within Tennessee) driving
- Must be 21+ for interstate (crossing state lines) driving — federal requirement in all states
- Valid Tennessee 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 Tennessee.
Bottom Line
Truck drivers in Tennessee earn an average of $54,200/year in 2026 — with strong room to grow with experience, endorsements, and the right carrier. The CDL job market in Tennessee remains strong, driven by consistent freight demand and a nationwide driver shortage.
Calculate Your Tennessee Salary
Use our free calculator to see your estimated pay based on experience, driving type, and endorsements.
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