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CDL Salary in Tennessee

How much does a CDL make in Tennessee? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a CDL in Tennessee is $55,978 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.

However, a CDL's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $68,281
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $49,988 to $62,418
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $44,535
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out CDL Job Openings in Tennessee

Key Factors That Influence CDL Salaries

A CDL's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects CDL Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a CDL's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $41,467
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $46,350
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $54,636
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $56,252
  • Expert (over 8 years): $69,935
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Product Inspector I less than 1 year $41,467
Product Inspector II 1-2 years $46,350
CDL 2-4 years $54,636
Product Inspector IV 5-8 years $56,252
Product Quality Supervisor over 8 years $69,935

How Do CDL Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract CDLs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $66,323.
  • California: $66,071.
  • Massachusetts: $65,191.

Top Paying Cities for CDL

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Cornersville: $55,020
  • Lexington: $53,962
  • Iron City: $52,080

CDL Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For CDL roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 43% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, CDL positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view CDL as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a CDL

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology $67,174 $32.0 20%
Pharmaceuticals $66,054 $32.0 18%
Insurance $64,375 $31.0 15%
Healthcare $62,695 $30.0 12%
Internet $62,136 $30.0 11%

CDL Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a CDL's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$49,988
Average $55,978/year
$62,418
$4,166
Average $4,665/month
$5,201
$961
Average $1,077/week
$1,200
$24
Average $27/hour
$30
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $62,418 $5,201 $1,200 $30
Average $55,978 $4,665 $1,077 $27
25th Percentile $49,988 $4,166 $961 $24

Find Your Next CDL Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current CDL job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • Liberty Tire Recycling | Knoxville, TN

    CDL

    Liberty Tire Recycling | Knoxville, TN

    Job Description. Job Description. ABOUT US. Liberty Tire Recycling is a high-growth company and the premier provider of tire recycling services in North Am... more

    9 Days Ago

  • C.R. England | Johnson City, TN

    CDL

    C.R. England | Johnson City, TN

    Job Description. C.R. England is Now Urgently Hiring Experienced CDL-A Truck Drivers. Top Drivers Earn Up $108,000 Annually* - $1,400 Weekly Minimum Guaran... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Kenan Advantage Group | Chattanooga, TN

    CDL

    Kenan Advantage Group | Chattanooga, TN

    KAG Food Products is currently hiring Company Truck Drivers in your area. Join KAG today to take advantage of great pay, competitive benefits packages, sup... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Marten Transport | Nashville, TN

    CDL

    Marten Transport | Nashville, TN

    Job Description. Marten Transport is Now Urgently Hiring Regional CDL-A Dry Van Drivers. Earn $54,600 - $83,500 per Year - Up to $2,500 Referral Bonus. \n.... more

    23 Days Ago

  • Dollar General Fleet | Antioch, TN

    CDL

    Dollar General Fleet | Antioch, TN

    Dollar General Fleet is Now Hiring CDL-A Drivers in Bowling Green, KY. Earn Up to $90,000 per Year* - Home Weekly. The distribution center is located at. 2... more

    25 Days Ago

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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