Updated September 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Nashville-Davidson, Tennessee (September 2026)
CDL pay in Nashville-Davidson, Tennessee averages $2,496/week (median $2,000) through September 2026. Based on 1,675 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 32% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,004. Tennessee is a critical national freight crossroads: Memphis hosts the FedEx global air hub and a major trucking interchange on I-40 / I-55, while Nashville-area automotive and manufacturing plants drive dense I-65 / I-24 lane activity.
What changed in September 2026
We just started tracking monthly changes for this view. Check back next month to see how rankings have shifted.
Nashville-Davidson, Tennessee vs Tennessee: the numbers that diverge
| Nashville-Davidson, Tennessee | Tennessee | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,496 | $2,114 | +18% |
| Take-truck-home | 88% | 83% | +5 pt |
| Pet-friendly fleets | 70% | 65% | +5 pt |
| OTR (long-haul) routes | 85% | 76% | +9 pt |
| Regional routes | 13% | 19% | -6 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, September 2026
Among the figures above, average weekly pay is where Nashville-Davidson, Tennessee differs most from Tennessee — 18% above statewide.
What CDL drivers are earning across Nashville-Davidson, Tennessee
Across active CDL postings in Nashville-Davidson, Tennessee this month, pay varies meaningfully by hiring type. The breakdown below shows the average and median weekly pay for each.
| Hiring type | Avg/wk | Median/wk | Active postings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Independent Contractor (1099) | $2,254 | $2,050 | 739 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,558 | $1,500 | 557 |
| Owner Operator | $7,062 | $7,000 | 379 |
Source: Lanefinder index, September 2026
Lane mix and benefits across Nashville-Davidson, Tennessee
The route mix in Nashville-Davidson, Tennessee this month tilts OTR: 13% regional, 85% OTR, 2% local, 0% semi-local — drawn from active postings, not historical surveys.
Guaranteed pay is on offer at 3% of Nashville-Davidson, Tennessee postings; dedicated routes at 27%; take-truck-home at 88%. Pet-friendly policies appear at 70% and riders-allowed at 68%.
Driving CDL in Tennessee
Tennessee is a critical national freight crossroads: Memphis hosts the FedEx Express World Hub — one of the world's largest air cargo hubs by tonnage — and a major trucking interchange on I-40 / I-55, with the nightly sort cycle generating enormous regional dispatch demand. Nashville-area automotive (Nissan Smyrna) and manufacturing drive dense I-65 / I-24 lane activity. Cost of living is below the national average; Tennessee has no state income tax on wages. East TN (Chattanooga, Knoxville) is mountain-adjacent — I-40 east through the Smokies and I-24 across Monteagle pass have real winter weight.
Related guides
- Best trucking companies in Nashville-Davidson, Tennessee
- Best owner-operator companies in Nashville-Davidson, Tennessee
- CDL driver salary in Tennessee
How we compile these rankings
Four weighted components. Compensation carries 30% and includes pay percentile, sign-on bonus tier, guaranteed-pay availability, and settlement frequency. FMCSA safety carries 25%, built from five SAFER dimensions. Benefits carry 25%, scored separately for W2 versus owner-operator carriers. Operational performance carries 20%, measuring application responsiveness and fleet scale. Updated September 2026.