Truck Driver Salary in Chattanooga
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$62,858
CDL-B Avg
$47,840
Non-CDL Avg
$51,085
Owner-Op Gross
$208,000
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Chattanooga truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Chattanooga
Chattanooga's cost of living is 13% below the national average. Your trucking salary stretches further here than in most cities.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$62,858
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$72,251
After adjusting for Chattanooga's cost of living index of 87, a CDL-A salary of $62,858 provides the same purchasing power as $72,251 in an average-cost area. Your money goes further in Chattanooga than the raw salary suggests.
Chattanooga vs Tennessee vs National Average
| Metric | Chattanooga | TN Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $62,858 | $60,440 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$2,418 | ||
| vs National | +$4,148 | ||
| Cost of Living | 87 | 90 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $72,251 | $67,156 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Chattanooga
Truck driver wages in Chattanooga are trending upward, driven by growth in automotive (volkswagen) and insurance. E-commerce fulfillment expansion and high turnover across the Tennessee market continue to push pay higher.
Which carriers run freight through Chattanooga?
These are large carriers with a real presence in the region. We do not publish what any of them pays in Chattanooga — that is a number only the carrier and the driver know, and it moves with the account, the lane and your record. Ask for it in cents per mile alongside the expected weekly miles.
- Werner Enterprises
- Heartland Express
- USA Truck
- Averitt Express
Read our carrier profiles for pay structure, home time and equipment on each one.
Industries Driving Trucking Demand in Chattanooga
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Chattanooga market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Chattanooga
Browse CDL driver positions in Chattanooga, TN from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Chattanooga
What is the average truck driver salary in Chattanooga, TN?
CDL-A truck drivers in Chattanooga, Tennessee earn an average of $62,858 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Chattanooga market is influenced by automotive (volkswagen) and insurance freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Chattanooga?
Owner-operators based in Chattanooga gross approximately $208,000 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $79,040 to $99,840. The Chattanooga area's cost of living index of 87 is below the national average by 13%.
Is Chattanooga a good city for trucking jobs?
Chattanooga offers strong trucking employment thanks to its automotive (volkswagen) and insurance sectors. The city's cost of living is below the national average, which means your paycheck goes further here than in many metros. CDL drivers with hazmat or tanker endorsements can earn 10-20% above the city average.