Truck Driver Salary in Tennessee 2026
The average truck driver salary in Tennessee is $1,628 per week as of 2026 — that's approximately $84,656 annually (or about $40.70 per hour) for qualified CDL drivers.
Truck driver salary in Tennessee, 2026
How much does a Truck Driver make in Tennessee?
Tennessee Salary Snapshot
Tennessee Truck Driver Pay at a Glance
Real wage data for Tennessee pulled together in one clear view, so you know exactly what to expect before you get behind the wheel. From entry-level to top earners, wages span $45.1k – $158.7k annually
$84,656
Average Annual Salary
$1,628
Average Weekly Pay
$40.70
Average Hourly Pay
$158.7k
Top Earners (High Range)
Tennessee City Breakdown
Truck Driver Salary by Tennessee City
Pay varies across the Volunteer State. Compare average earnings in Tennessee's top cities to find where your driving career pays the most – based on real Indeed data and regional market trends.
Memphis
$94,200/yr
Nashville
$90,500/yr
Knoxville
$88,200/yr
Chattanooga
$86,000/yr
Clarksville
$84,800/yr
Jackson
$81,300/yr
Pay by Role
Tennessee Salary by Driver Type
Earnings shift depending on the type of driving you do. Compare Tennessee‑specific role averages to find the route that fits your income goals and lifestyle.
OTR Driver
$90,600/yr avg
Long-haul routes across multiple states, offering the highest earning potential in trucking.
View JobsRegional Driver
$85,400/yr avg
Multi-state routes within a defined region, balancing solid pay with more time at home.
View JobsLocal Driver
$77,000/yr avg
Short daily routes within a city or nearby area, ideal for drivers who want to be home every night.
View JobsDedicated Driver
$88,900/yr avg
Consistent routes for a single client, delivering predictable schedules and reliable income.
View JobsFlatbed Driver
$93,200/yr avg
Hauls oversized and open‑deck freight, commanding premium pay for specialized skill.
View JobsHazmat Driver
$104,300/yr avg
Transports hazardous materials and earns the highest average pay for certified specialists.
View JobsWhat Affects Truck Driver Salary in Tennessee?
Truck driver pay isn't determined by a single factor. This dashboard highlights the key elements that influence earnings in Tennessee and shows where drivers can maximize their income.
Strong Earnings in Tennessee
Tennessee truck drivers earn an average of $1,628 per week ($84,656/year), which is above the national average. Drivers with endorsements, dedicated routes, and strong safety records still have the opportunity to earn at the top of the range — up to $158,700 annually.
Experience
18%Route Type
24%CDL Endorsements
31%Miles Driven
21%Company
16%Driving Record
27%Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about truck driver pay in Tennessee, answered in plain terms — based on real Indeed data.
What is the average truck driver salary in Tennessee?
The average truck driver in Tennessee earns around $84,656 per year, which breaks down to roughly $1,628 per week or ~$40.70 per hour (based on a 40-hour week). Pay varies based on route type, experience, and the company you drive for. Tennessee salaries are above the national average, and drivers with specialized endorsements can earn well over the average — with top earners reaching up to $158,700 annually.
Which Tennessee city pays truck drivers the most?
Memphis ($94,200/year) leads the state as the world-class logistics hub (home to FedEx) along the I‑40 and I‑55 corridors, followed by Nashville ($90,500) in the booming I‑40 and I‑24 manufacturing and distribution belt and Knoxville ($88,200) at the crossroads of I‑40 and I‑75. Chattanooga ($86,000) sits at the intersection of I‑24 and I‑75 near the state average, while Clarksville ($84,800) along I‑24 and Jackson ($81,300) on I‑40 trend slightly lower due to smaller freight volumes. The highest‑paying companies in Tennessee specialize in dedicated OTR routes, hazmat freight, and logistics‑related operations — especially around the Memphis, Nashville, and Chattanooga areas and the I‑40, I‑24, and I‑75 freight corridors.
Do local drivers make more than OTR drivers?
Generally no. OTR drivers tend to earn more overall because of higher mileage and longer routes, while local drivers trade some income for the benefit of being home every day. In Tennessee, specialized OTR routes — especially those connecting the Memphis logistics hub, Nashville automotive manufacturing, and Chattanooga distribution centers to the Midwest and Southeast — can significantly boost earnings well beyond the state average.
Does experience affect truck driver salary?
Yes, significantly. Drivers with several years of clean‑record experience often qualify for premium routes and specialized freight, which can raise annual pay well above the $84,656 Tennessee average. Top earners in Tennessee can make up to $158,700 per year.
How can truck drivers earn more in Tennessee?
Adding CDL endorsements (hazmat, tanker, doubles/triples), taking on flatbed or specialized freight, driving more miles, and maintaining a clean safety record are the fastest ways to increase earnings. Top Tennessee companies offer salaries well above the state average for experienced drivers with the right credentials, especially in key logistics hubs like the Memphis FedEx hub, Nashville automotive manufacturing belt, and Chattanooga distribution networks and the growing freight corridors along I‑40, I‑24, and I‑75 that connect the Midwest to the Southeast and beyond. The state's booming automotive, logistics, and agricultural sectors also create strong demand for specialized freight haulers.
Are CDL endorsements worth it?
In most cases, yes. Endorsements like hazmat or tanker require extra testing but open access to specialized freight that pays noticeably more than standard routes. In Tennessee, hazmat drivers can earn well above the state average of $84,656, with top earners reaching up to $158,700 annually — especially those servicing the state's booming automotive manufacturing, logistics hubs, and agricultural sectors across the Memphis, Nashville, and Chattanooga areas and along the I‑40, I‑24, and I‑75 corridors.
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