Truck Driver Salary in Nashville
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Nashville, Tennessee. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$67,693
CDL-B Avg
$51,520
Non-CDL Avg
$55,014
Owner-Op Gross
$224,000
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Nashville truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Nashville
Nashville's cost of living is near the national average, offering a balanced ratio of salary to expenses for truck drivers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$67,693
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$67,023
After adjusting for Nashville's cost of living index of 101, a CDL-A salary of $67,693 provides the same purchasing power as $67,023 in an average-cost area. The higher nominal salary is partially offset by higher local expenses.
Nashville vs Tennessee vs National Average
| Metric | Nashville | TN Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $67,693 | $60,440 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$7,253 | ||
| vs National | +$8,983 | ||
| Cost of Living | 101 | 90 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $67,023 | $67,156 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Nashville
Truck driver wages in Nashville are trending upward, driven by growth in healthcare and construction & building materials. E-commerce fulfillment expansion and high turnover across the Tennessee market continue to push pay higher.
Which carriers run freight through Nashville?
These are large carriers with a real presence in the region. We do not publish what any of them pays in Nashville — that is a number only the carrier and the driver know, and it moves with the account, the lane and your record.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 Nashville
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Nashville market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Nashville
Browse CDL driver positions in Nashville, TN from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Nashville
What is the average truck driver salary in Nashville, TN?
CDL-A truck drivers in Nashville, Tennessee earn an average of $67,693 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Nashville market is influenced by healthcare and construction & building materials freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Nashville?
Owner-operators based in Nashville gross approximately $224,000 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $85,120 to $107,520. The Nashville area's cost of living index of 101 is near the national average.
Is Nashville a good city for trucking jobs?
Nashville offers strong trucking employment thanks to its healthcare and construction & building materials sectors. The city's cost of living is near the national average, which provides a balanced ratio of earnings to expenses. CDL drivers with hazmat or tanker endorsements can earn 10-20% above the city average.