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
$64,641
CDL-B Avg
$50,420
Non-CDL Avg
$41,370
Owner-Op Gross
$200,387
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
$64,641
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$64,001
After adjusting for Nashville's cost of living index of 101, a CDL-A salary of $64,641 provides the same purchasing power as $64,001 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 | $64,641 | $57,200 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$7,441 | ||
| vs National | +$5,931 | ||
| Cost of Living | 101 | 90 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $64,001 | $63,556 | $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 a persistent driver shortage in the Tennessee market continue to push pay higher.
Top Paying Companies in Nashville
These carriers and logistics companies offer some of the highest truck driver pay in the Nashville area.
| Company | Avg Annual Pay |
|---|---|
| 1FedEx Freight | $76,845 |
| 2XPO Logistics | $73,455 |
| 3Southeastern Freight Lines | $71,195 |
| 4Werner Enterprises | $70,065 |
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 $64,641 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 $200,387 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $76,147 to $96,186. 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.