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
$62,858
CDL-B Avg
$47,840
Non-CDL Avg
$51,085
Owner-Op Gross
$208,000
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
$62,858
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$71,430
After adjusting for Knoxville's cost of living index of 88, a CDL-A salary of $62,858 provides the same purchasing power as $71,430 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 | $62,858 | $60,440 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$2,418 | ||
| vs National | +$4,148 | ||
| Cost of Living | 88 | 90 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $71,430 | $67,156 | $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 high turnover across the Tennessee market continue to push pay higher.
Which carriers run freight through Knoxville?
These are large carriers with a real presence in the region. We do not publish what any of them pays in Knoxville — that is a number only the carrier and the driver know, and it moves with the account, the lane and your record. Ask for it in cents per mile alongside the expected weekly miles.
- Werner Enterprises
- Heartland Express
- USA Truck
- Averitt Express
Read our carrier profiles for pay structure, home time and equipment on each one.
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 $62,858 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 $208,000 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $79,040 to $99,840. 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.