Average Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary in Knoxville, TN
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Knoxville, TN earn an average annual salary of $57,790, a figure slightly below the national average of $58,380. This minor deviation is often influenced by regional economic factors, local industry demands, and the specific transportation needs within the Knoxville metropolitan area. While close to the national benchmark, understanding these local dynamics is key to appreciating the compensation landscape.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $57,790 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $74,840.
- Outlook: Knoxville boasts a robust job market for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 7,860 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.4 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting strong and consistent demand for skilled truck drivers in the region. This elevated concentration points to a healthy and active job market for this profession.
Salary Overview
The average Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Knoxville, TN earns-1.0%below the national average.
$27.8
$1,111
$4,816
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Knoxville is not provided, the trucking industry nationally has experienced steady growth over the past four years, driven by e-commerce and supply chain demands. It is reasonable to assume that salaries for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Knoxville have mirrored this trend, likely seeing incremental increases as demand for logistics services continues to rise and the need for experienced drivers persists.
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary Distribution in Knoxville, TN
Salary progression for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Knoxville, TN, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive driving records, specialized endorsements, and a history of safe operation can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career advancement opportunities and the value placed on experience and reliability in this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $38,370 | $18.4 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $43,343 | $20.8 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $56,630 | $27.2 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $72,238 | $34.7 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $74,840 | $36 |
Detailed Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$57,790
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$57,790
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $57,790 and a Cost of Living Index at the national average of 100, Knoxville, TN presents a balanced financial environment for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers. The nominal salary effectively maintains its purchasing power locally, meaning that the earnings are neither significantly boosted nor diminished by the cost of everyday expenses compared to the national standard.
Job Market Context
7,860
Total Jobs
18.806
Per 1K Jobs
1.4
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.40, Knoxville, TN has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.4 for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Knoxville signifies a market where this profession is more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a robust demand for these roles, potentially leading to more job opportunities and competitive hiring. While not excessively saturated, the higher concentration indicates a healthy market where employers actively seek qualified drivers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Morristown, TN Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary | $58,360↑ 1% | 40 mi |
| Cleveland, TN Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary | $58,240↑ 1% | 75 mi |
| Asheville, NC Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary | $53,560↓ 7% | 83 mi |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary | $51,820↓ 10% | 87 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary | $50,720↓ 12% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Knoxville, TN
Hiring Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driverss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers make in Knoxville, TN?
The median annual salary for a Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Knoxville, TN is $57,790. This typically ranges from $38,370 for entry-level positions to $74,840 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Knoxville, TN is 1.0% lower than the national median of $58,380.
Is Knoxville, TN a lucrative place for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers?
Yes, Knoxville, TN offers a competitive environment for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers.The average salary is nearly on par with the national average, and the higher-than-average concentration of these jobs (LQ of 1.4) indicates strong local demand.
Is Knoxville, TN a good place to live for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers?
The Cost of Living Index in Knoxville, TN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Knoxville, TN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Morristown, TN ($58,360) and Cleveland, TN.
How does Knoxville's cost of living affect truck driver salaries?
Knoxville's Cost of Living Index is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the average salary of $57,790 holds its purchasing power effectively within the local market.
What is the concentration of truck drivers in Knoxville compared to the nation?
Knoxville has a higher concentration of Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers, with a Location Quotient of 1.4, indicating more jobs per worker than the national average.
How many truck drivers are employed in Knoxville?
There are approximately 7,860 Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers employed in the Knoxville, TN area.
Are truck driver jobs in high demand in Knoxville?
Yes, the Location Quotient of 1.4 suggests a strong demand for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers, as the profession is more concentrated locally than nationally.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 7,860 employees in the Knoxville, TN area with a job density of 18.806 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Knoxville, TN