Truck Driver Salary in Tennessee (2026): BLS OEWS Data, Top Metros & Carriers
Last verified: 2026-04-20 against BLS OEWS 53-3032 May 2024 release, TN Department of Labor and Workforce Development data, and carrier-published pay bands.
Tennessee sits at a unique freight convergence point: FedEx's Superhub at Memphis International Airport (the world's second-busiest cargo airport) drives massive feeder/linehaul demand; Nashville is a growing Southeast distribution hub; major auto assembly plants (Nissan Smyrna, Volkswagen Chattanooga, GM Spring Hill) drive specialty freight. I-40 (transcontinental through Memphis-Nashville-Knoxville), I-65, and I-75 give Tennessee strong interstate coverage. This guide extracts BLS OEWS for Tennessee against the national $57,440 median for SOC 53-3032 (May 2024).1
Key Takeaways
- BLS OEWS 53-3032, May 2024 — TN median annual wage: $55,340.3 That's $2,100 below national — roughly 3.7% below national.1
- TN state employment: ~46,010 heavy and tractor-trailer drivers.3
- Top paying TN metros: Memphis MSA (FedEx hub + BNSF/UP intermodal + river port); Nashville–Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin MSA.
- Dominant freight segments: FedEx Memphis feeder/linehaul (world-class air cargo generator); BNSF + UP Memphis intermodal; Mississippi River freight; Nashville distribution; automotive dedicated (Nissan Smyrna, VW Chattanooga, GM Spring Hill); I-40 transcontinental.
- Pay premium endorsements: Hazmat (H), Tanker (N), Doubles/Triples (T) for Memphis-area LTL.
- Cross-reference: Tennessee CDL Requirements guide.
TN Truck Driver Wages — BLS OEWS 53-3032 State Data
BLS OEWS state data for SOC 53-3032 in TN, May 2024 reference period. Verify at https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_tn.htm.3
| Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Annual median (50th percentile) | $55,340 | BLS OEWS state cell, May 2024.3 |
| Annual mean wage | ~$56,500–$58,500 | Mean above median; FedEx linehaul + LTL upper-tail. |
| Annual 10th percentile | ~$37,500–$39,500 | Entry-level. |
| Annual 25th percentile | ~$45,000–$47,500 | |
| Annual 75th percentile | ~$67,000–$71,500 | Experienced dedicated, FedEx linehaul, auto-dedicated. |
| Annual 90th percentile | ~$81,000–$87,500 | LTL linehaul seniority, specialty tanker, FedEx seniority. |
| State employment | ~46,010 | Per BLS state OEWS.3 |
National percentile reference: p10 $37,930 · p25 $46,120 · p50 $57,440 · p75 $71,990 · p90 $81,710.1
How TN Compares to National
TN's $55,340 state median runs $2,100 below national.13 BEA RPP shows Tennessee below the national index — strong real purchasing power on TN median pay given low cost of living.4 Memphis FedEx-driven freight concentration + Nashville distribution + auto-dedicated keep upper tail competitive.
Metro variation: - Above state median: Memphis MSA, Nashville–Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin MSA. - Near state median: Chattanooga, Knoxville. - Below state median: Rural TN, Jackson (TN), smaller metros.
Top TN Metros for Truck Drivers
Memphis (Memphis MSA)
The unique Memphis metro driver landscape: - FedEx Express Superhub at Memphis International Airport — the world's second-busiest cargo airport. Dedicated FedEx feeder/linehaul positions with strong pay/benefits. - BNSF + Union Pacific intermodal — major rail freight interchange. - Mississippi River port — bulk commodities (grain, petroleum, coal, chemicals). - AutoZone, International Paper, FedEx all HQ in Memphis area. - I-40 / I-55 / I-69 corridor convergence.
Memphis MSA OEWS posts above TN state mean. Current MSA data: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_32820.htm.5
Nashville (Nashville–Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin MSA)
Rapidly growing Southeast distribution hub: - Amazon, FedEx Ground, UPS distribution. - Healthcare distribution (HCA Healthcare HQ). - Music industry logistics. - I-40, I-65, I-24 convergence.
Nashville MSA tracks near state median or slightly above. Data: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_34980.htm.5
Chattanooga (Chattanooga TN-GA MSA)
Volkswagen Chattanooga assembly plant + I-75 / I-24 corridor. Dedicated VW tier-1 supplier and finished-vehicle freight. Tracks near state median.5
Knoxville (Knoxville MSA)
University of Tennessee + regional logistics + I-40 / I-75 corridor. Tracks near or slightly below state median.5
Smyrna (Nissan adjacent)
Nissan North America manufacturing in Smyrna (Nashville MSA) + Spring Hill GM plant. Significant auto-carrier and tier-1 supplier dedicated demand.5
Major Freight Industries Driving TN Pay
| Industry | Freight footprint | Endorsement fit | Pay band notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| FedEx Memphis feeder/linehaul | Memphis Superhub | Carrier-specific training | $65–$92k experienced; strong benefits + bonuses. |
| BNSF / UP intermodal | Memphis rail yards | H for hazmat; TWIC possible | Drayage $60–$82k experienced. |
| Nashville distribution / dedicated | Metro retailer + healthcare DCs | None required | $65–$88k experienced. |
| Automotive (Nissan/VW/GM) | Smyrna, Chattanooga, Spring Hill | Specialty training | Dedicated $68–$92k experienced. |
| LTL linehaul | Statewide (ODFL, Saia, XPO, ABF, FedEx Freight, Averitt HQ Cookeville TN) | T highly valuable | Senior $78–$102k+. |
| Mississippi River bulk | Memphis river port | N for bulk | $60–$82k experienced. |
| Tanker / petroleum | Statewide fuel distribution | N+H | $70–$95k experienced. |
Major Carriers Hiring in TN
- FedEx Ground / Express / Freight: Major Memphis operations + statewide.
- LTL: Averitt Express (HQ Cookeville TN — major TN employer), Old Dominion, Saia, XPO, ABF, FedEx Freight, Estes Express, R+L Carriers, Southeastern Freight Lines.
- Mega OTR / Regional: Schneider, Werner, CR England, Covenant (HQ Chattanooga TN — major TN employer), US Xpress (HQ Chattanooga — now part of Knight-Swift), Heartland.
- Dedicated / private fleet: Walmart Private Fleet (multiple TN DCs), Target, Home Depot, Lowe's, Costco, Amazon, AutoZone distribution (HQ Memphis).
- Intermodal drayage: Memphis-area operators.
- Auto-haul: Jack Cooper, Cassens Transport — serving Nissan/VW/GM.
- TN-HQ specialty: FedEx (Memphis), AutoZone (Memphis), International Paper (Memphis), Averitt Express (Cookeville), Covenant Transport (Chattanooga), US Xpress/Knight-Swift (Chattanooga), HCA Healthcare logistics (Nashville).
Tennessee is a significant trucking-company HQ state — multiple major carriers headquartered in-state.
Pay by Route Type
- OTR: $60–$82k. I-40 / I-65 / I-75 / I-24 convergence provides abundant outbound loads.
- Regional (TN + KY/GA/AL/MS/AR): $64–$86k.
- Local / home-daily: $52–$82k; Memphis drayage $60–$82k effective.
- Dedicated: $65–$92k; auto-dedicated (Nissan/VW/GM) $68–$92k.
- LTL linehaul (Averitt, ODFL, Saia): $80–$102k+ senior.
- FedEx linehaul Memphis: $65–$92k with strong benefits.
- Owner-operator: variable $65–$138k net.
Use CPM → Annual Salary calculator + Lease vs Company vs Owner-Op calculator.
TN CDL and Licensing
Tennessee CDL Requirements guide. TN Dept of Safety (not DMV); $60 Class A CDL, $41 Class B/C, $2.50 per endorsement; County Clerk Partner +$4 admin; 8-year renewal.
FAQs
How much does a truck driver make in Tennessee in 2026? TN state median for SOC 53-3032 is $55,340 per BLS OEWS May 20243 — approximately 3.7% below national $57,440.1 Experienced drivers on specialty freight (senior LTL linehaul at Averitt/ODFL, FedEx senior linehaul, auto-dedicated) push into $80–$100k. Entry-level drivers earn $40–$48k year one.
What is the highest-paying trucking job in Tennessee? Senior LTL linehaul at Averitt Express (HQ Cookeville TN), Old Dominion, Saia, XPO, ABF, FedEx Freight with T endorsement is commonly the highest-paying conventional CDL-A lane — experienced drivers exceed $82–$100k. FedEx senior linehaul, auto-dedicated (Nissan/VW/GM), and specialty tanker (X-endorsed) can match.
Where in TN do truck drivers get paid the most? Memphis MSA leads on FedEx-driven freight density + intermodal premium. Nashville MSA leads on distribution density. Chattanooga (VW-dedicated) and Knoxville track near state median. Rural TN below.
Is TN a good state for truck drivers? Yes — TN is one of the strongest trucking-company HQ states (FedEx Memphis, Averitt Cookeville, Covenant Chattanooga, US Xpress/Knight-Swift Chattanooga). Major freight infrastructure, diverse industries (FedEx air cargo, auto, LTL, intermodal, river freight). Cost of living favorable. Real purchasing power competitive with higher-nominal states.
How does TN truck driver pay compare to Georgia? TN state median ($55,340) and GA state median ($55,130) are essentially tied. Both below national. TN's FedEx Memphis hub and Averitt HQ give some upper-tail advantage; GA's Atlanta distribution + Port of Savannah give similar upper-tail strength.
Can I make six figures as a truck driver in Tennessee? Yes. Common paths: senior LTL linehaul at Averitt (Cookeville HQ) / ODFL / Saia / XPO / ABF; FedEx senior linehaul Memphis; auto-dedicated (Nissan Smyrna / VW Chattanooga / GM Spring Hill); specialty tanker with X endorsement; Walmart Private Fleet dedicated.
What are the largest carriers hiring in TN in 2026? FedEx (Memphis), Averitt Express (Cookeville HQ), Covenant Transport (Chattanooga HQ), US Xpress/Knight-Swift (Chattanooga), Schneider, Werner, Old Dominion, Saia, XPO, Walmart Private Fleet, AutoZone (Memphis HQ logistics). Verify current pay bands via each recruiting portal.
I drive FedEx linehaul Memphis. What's unique? Night-shift oriented (aligned with FedEx Express overnight sorting). Strong benefits/bonuses/retirement. FedEx carrier-specific training. Seniority-driven pay progression. Memphis-area residents with Class A CDL have one of the strongest specialty driver markets in the country.
Sources
-
BLS OEWS, "53-3032," May 2024 national.
https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes533032.htm↩↩↩↩↩ -
BLS OOH, "Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers — Pay."
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/heavy-and-tractor-trailer-truck-drivers.htm#tab-5↩ -
BLS OEWS, "May 2024 State Estimates — Tennessee."
https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_tn.htm↩↩↩↩↩↩↩ -
U.S. BEA, "Regional Price Parities."
https://www.bea.gov/data/prices-inflation/regional-price-parities-state-and-metro-area↩ -
BLS OEWS, "May 2024 Metro Estimates." Memphis MSA:
https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_32820.htm· Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin MSA:https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_34980.htm· Chattanooga TN-GA MSA:https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_16860.htm· Knoxville MSA:https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_28940.htm· All TN MSAs:https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oessrcma.htm↩↩↩↩↩
