Truck Driver Salary in Memphis
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Memphis, Tennessee. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$62,517
CDL-B Avg
$45,637
Non-CDL Avg
$38,761
Owner-Op Gross
$175,048
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Memphis truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Memphis
Memphis's cost of living is 14% below the national average. Your trucking salary stretches further here than in most cities.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$62,517
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$72,694
After adjusting for Memphis's cost of living index of 86, a CDL-A salary of $62,517 provides the same purchasing power as $72,694 in an average-cost area. Your money goes further in Memphis than the raw salary suggests.
Memphis vs Tennessee vs National Average
| Metric | Memphis | TN Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $62,517 | $57,200 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$5,317 | ||
| vs National | +$3,807 | ||
| Cost of Living | 86 | 90 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $72,694 | $63,556 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Memphis
Truck driver wages in Memphis are trending upward, driven by growth in package & express shipping and medical devices. E-commerce fulfillment expansion and a persistent driver shortage in the Tennessee market continue to push pay higher.
Top Paying Companies in Memphis
These carriers and logistics companies offer some of the highest truck driver pay in the Memphis area.
| Company | Avg Annual Pay |
|---|---|
| 1Averitt Express | $69,949 |
| 2Werner Enterprises | $67,764 |
| 3Heartland Express | $65,578 |
| 4USA Truck | $63,392 |
Industries Driving Trucking Demand in Memphis
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Memphis market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Memphis
Browse CDL driver positions in Memphis, TN from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Memphis
What is the average truck driver salary in Memphis, TN?
CDL-A truck drivers in Memphis, Tennessee earn an average of $62,517 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Memphis market is influenced by package & express shipping and medical devices freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Memphis?
Owner-operators based in Memphis gross approximately $175,048 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $66,518 to $84,023. The Memphis area's cost of living index of 86 is below the national average by 14%.
Is Memphis a good city for trucking jobs?
Memphis offers strong trucking employment thanks to its package & express shipping and medical devices 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.