Truck Driver Salaries in Tennessee — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026The median truck driver salary in Tennessee is $55,610 per year, equivalent to $26.74/hr, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme. Tennessee employs approximately 63,130 truck drivers statewide.
Truck Driver salaries in Tennessee are below the national average by approximately $882. Tennessee has no earned income tax.
Pro-business policies and steady migration into Tennessee keep demand strong for truck drivers.
Tennessee Truck Driver Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Tennessee after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Tennessee has no earned income tax.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Tennessee has no earned income tax. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Tennessee Truck Driver Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Tennessee median of $55,610.
Truck Driver Salary by Experience — Tennessee
Truck Driver Salary Trend in Tennessee — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataTruck Driver salaries in Tennessee have grown an estimated 13.9% over the past five years, reflecting broader workforce and economic conditions. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Tennessee's freight and logistics.
Truck Driver Salary by City — Tennessee
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville | $61,750 | $29.69 | +11.0% | 22,095 |
| Memphis | $58,950 | $28.34 | +6.0% | 17,676 |
| Knoxville | $57,300 | $27.55 | +3.0% | 11,363 |
| Chattanooga | $53,400 | $25.67 | -4.0% | 5,681 |
| Clarksville | $50,600 | $24.33 | -9.0% | 3,787 |
| Murfreesboro | $48,400 | $23.27 | -13.0% | 2,525 |
Tip: Nashville offers the highest truck driver salaries in Tennessee at $61,750/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Tennessee vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Tennessee compares favourably for truck drivers.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Tennessee has no earned income tax.
Truck Driver Job Outlook in Tennessee
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for truck drivers in Tennessee is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Tennessee job market. Pro-business policies and steady migration into Tennessee keep demand strong for truck drivers.
How to Earn More as a Truck Driver in Tennessee
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a truck driver in Tennessee typically adds $45,600 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State DMV — CDL Licence can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Nashville pays truck drivers $61,750/yr — +11.0% above the Tennessee average. Simply relocating within Tennessee can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Truck Drivers who specialise in freight and logistics typically command premium rates in Tennessee. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Kentucky pays truck drivers $55,590/yr — -0.0% vs Tennessee.
Find Truck Driver Jobs in Tennessee
Live ListingsSearch current truck driver job vacancies in Tennessee:
🔍 Truck Driver jobs in Tennessee — Indeed→ 🔍 Truck Driver jobs in Tennessee — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Truck Driver jobs — Nashville, TN→