Trades & Labor Chattanooga, TN Pop. 181,099

Truck Driver Salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee

The median truck driver salary in Chattanooga, TN is $43,930 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% below the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$43,930
vs State Avg
$-499
vs National
$-5,990
Cost of Living
88%

Truck Driver Pay in Chattanooga: What to Expect (2026)

Chattanooga offers a median truck driver salary of $43,930, which is $499 below the Tennessee state average of $44,429. Compared to the national median of $49,920, Chattanooga pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Chattanooga's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $43,930 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $49,920 in an average-cost city. This makes Chattanooga an attractive option for truck drivers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for truck drivers in Chattanooga spans from $29,216 at the 10th percentile to $68,640 at the 90th percentile — a $39,424 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,800, while senior truck drivers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $63,360. With a population of 181,099, Chattanooga is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Truck Driver Salary in Chattanooga by Experience

In Chattanooga, an entry-level truck driver earns around $30,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $63,360 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,800
$-4,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$44,000
$-6,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$63,360
$-8,640 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chattanooga, TN

Percentile Chattanooga
10th Percentile $29,216
25th Percentile $35,376
Median (50th) $43,930
75th Percentile $56,144
90th Percentile $68,640

Truck Driver Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

Nashville, TN
$49,920
Pop. 689,447
Murfreesboro, TN
$45,926
Pop. 152,769
Knoxville, TN
$43,930
Pop. 190,740
Memphis, TN
$42,931
Pop. 633,104

How to Become a Truck Driver in Chattanooga

Education

Most truck driver positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Chattanooga and the surrounding Tennessee area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

CDL LicenseRoute PlanningVehicle InspectionDOT RegulationsTime ManagementDefensive Driving

Job Outlook

Nationally, truck driver employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Chattanooga may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Truck Driver Jobs in Chattanooga

Browse open truck driver positions in Chattanooga, TN:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Truck Driver Salary in Chattanooga

How much does a Truck Driver make in Chattanooga, TN? ▼
The median truck driver salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee is $43,930 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $49,920. Salaries range from $29,216 (10th percentile) to $68,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Truck Driver make per hour in Chattanooga? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $43,930, a truck driver in Chattanooga earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chattanooga compare to the Tennessee state average for truck driver pay? ▼
Chattanooga's median truck driver salary of $43,930 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $44,429. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chattanooga, TN? ▼
Chattanooga has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a truck driver salary of $43,930 in Chattanooga has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a truck driver in Chattanooga? ▼
Most truck driver positions in Chattanooga require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include CDL License, Route Planning, Vehicle Inspection, DOT Regulations. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.