Truck Driver Salary in Knoxville
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Knoxville, Tennessee. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$60,142
CDL-B Avg
$48,114
Non-CDL Avg
$34,882
Owner-Op Gross
$174,412
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Knoxville truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Knoxville
Knoxville's cost of living is 12% below the national average. Your trucking salary stretches further here than in most cities.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$60,142
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$68,343
After adjusting for Knoxville's cost of living index of 88, a CDL-A salary of $60,142 provides the same purchasing power as $68,343 in an average-cost area. Your money goes further in Knoxville than the raw salary suggests.
Knoxville vs Tennessee vs National Average
| Metric | Knoxville | TN Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $60,142 | $57,200 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$2,942 | ||
| vs National | +$1,432 | ||
| Cost of Living | 88 | 90 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $68,343 | $63,556 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Knoxville
Truck driver wages in Knoxville are trending upward, driven by growth in automotive manufacturing and energy (tva). E-commerce fulfillment expansion and a persistent driver shortage in the Tennessee market continue to push pay higher.
Top Paying Companies in Knoxville
These carriers and logistics companies offer some of the highest truck driver pay in the Knoxville area.
| Company | Avg Annual Pay |
|---|---|
| 1Southeastern Freight Lines | $66,241 |
| 2Werner Enterprises | $65,189 |
| 3Heartland Express | $63,086 |
| 4USA Truck | $60,984 |
Industries Driving Trucking Demand in Knoxville
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Knoxville market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Knoxville
Browse CDL driver positions in Knoxville, TN from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Knoxville
What is the average truck driver salary in Knoxville, TN?
CDL-A truck drivers in Knoxville, Tennessee earn an average of $60,142 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Knoxville market is influenced by automotive manufacturing and energy (tva) freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Knoxville?
Owner-operators based in Knoxville gross approximately $174,412 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $66,277 to $83,718. The Knoxville area's cost of living index of 88 is below the national average by 12%.
Is Knoxville a good city for trucking jobs?
Knoxville offers strong trucking employment thanks to its automotive manufacturing and energy (tva) 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.