Truck Driver Salary in Tennessee
Based on 65K+ workers in Tennessee
Median Annual Salary (TN)
$58,620
$28.18/hr
vs National Average
$58,233
+0.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$40K – $83K
65K employed in Tennessee
The median Truck Driver salary in Tennessee is $58,620 per year, which equates to about $28 per hour. This figure is slightly above the national average by 0.7%. With approximately 64,890 individuals employed in this role across the state, Tennessee offers a significant market for truck driving professionals.
Several factors can influence the Truck Driver salary in Tennessee, including years of experience, the specific type of cargo transported, and the employing company's size and location. Drivers operating specialized equipment or hauling hazardous materials may command higher pay, as can those with extensive driving records and certifications.
Salary Distribution — Truck Driver in Tennessee
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $39,960 |
| 25th percentile | $47,740 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $58,620 |
| 75th percentile | $73,420 |
| 90th percentile | $83,280 |
Top-Paying Industries for Truck Driver (U.S.)
Which industries pay Truck Drivers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Truck Drivers in Tennessee tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $65,810 | 2K |
| Information | $63,030 | 1K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $61,740 | 10K |
| Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $60,100 | 960 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $60,030 | 1.2M |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Truck Driver in Tennessee vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Tennessee) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $58,620 |
| 2026 (projected) | $60,379 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Tennessee Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $58,620 | $58,233 |
| 2026 (projected) | $60,379 | $59,980 |
Truck Driver Salary by Experience Level in Tennessee
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $47,740 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $58,620 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $73,420 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $83,280 |
Truck Driver Salary in Other States
Related Truck Driver Salaries in Tennessee
How other high-demand occupations in Tennessee compare to Truck Driver ($58,620 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Truck Driver | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stocker and Order Filler in TN | $36,140 | -38.3% | $17.38/hr |
| Plumber in TN | $58,600 | -0.0% | $28.17/hr |
| Paralegal in TN | $58,820 | +0.3% | $28.28/hr |
| Writer and Author in TN | $58,870 | +0.4% | $28.30/hr |
| Licensed Practical Nurse in TN | $58,870 | +0.4% | $28.30/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in TN | $58,070 | -0.9% | $27.92/hr |
| Securities Sales Agent in TN | $58,050 | -1.0% | $27.91/hr |
| Police Officer in TN | $59,280 | +1.1% | $28.50/hr |
| Editor in TN | $59,550 | +1.6% | $28.63/hr |
| School Counselor in TN | $59,960 | +2.3% | $28.83/hr |
| Graphic Designer in TN | $57,270 | -2.3% | $27.53/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in TN | $59,980 | +2.3% | $28.84/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Truck Driver in Tennessee?
- In Tennessee, the salary range for Truck Drivers generally falls between $39,960 and $83,280 annually. The median salary is $58,620, meaning half of all Truck Drivers earn within this central range.
How does the average Truck Driver salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
- The average Truck Driver salary in Tennessee is slightly higher than the national average, coming in at 0.7% more. This means Tennessee drivers can expect to earn a bit more on average than their counterparts across the country.
How many Truck Drivers are employed in Tennessee?
- There are approximately 64,890 Truck Drivers employed in Tennessee. This indicates a substantial presence of this profession within the state's workforce.
Is the hourly pay for a Truck Driver in Tennessee in line with the annual median?
- Yes, the hourly pay is consistent with the annual median. A median annual salary of $58,620 translates to an hourly rate of approximately $28, which is a common benchmark for the profession.