A complete 2026 breakdown of what Truck Drivers earn in Nashville — base salary, hourly rate, top employers, and tips for negotiating the highest offer. With percentile data and cost-of-living context.
| Experience | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (0-2 years) | $38,220 - $49,980 | 18 - 24/hr |
| Mid-level (3-5 years) | $52,920 - $67,620 | 25 - 32/hr |
| Senior (6-10 years) | $67,620 - $85,260 | 32 - 40/hr |
| Lead/Principal (10+ years) | $82,320 - $108,780 | 39 - 52/hr |
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| New York, NY | $49,980 |
| San Francisco, CA | $70,560 |
| Chicago, IL | $58,800 |
| Nashville | $58,800 |
| Houston, TX | $49,980 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $58,800 |
Major employers in Nashville hiring Truck Drivers include:
$58,800 in Nashville goes further or less far depending on cost of living. With housing costs of ~$1400/month for a 1-bedroom apartment, your take-home after housing is approximately $42,000/year. See full cost of living in Nashville.
The average Truck Driver salary in Nashville is $58,800/year ($28.27/hour). The 25th percentile earns $44,100/year, the 75th percentile earns $76,440/year, and the 90th percentile earns $97,020/year.
Truck Driver is a growing career in Nashville with a stable job market. The median salary is in line with the national average for this role.
Top earners (90th percentile) in Nashville make $97,020/year. These are typically senior Truck Drivers with 10+ years of experience, often in management or specialized roles.
⚠️ Estimate only. Salary data based on 2026 BLS, Glassdoor, and Payscale data. Actual offers depend on experience, employer, and negotiation. Full disclaimer.