Truck Driver (CDL) Apprenticeships in Tennessee
Tennessee has 14 registered apprenticeship sponsors training truck driver (cdl)s. Apprentices earn a wage from day one and finish without tuition debt.
Registered sponsors
14
Union / joint programs
0
Median truck driver (cdl) wage
$55,610
Tennessee, all experience levels
Job growth 2022–2032
+10%
7,720 openings/yr
Largest Registered Sponsors
Union and joint labor-management programs are listed first — they typically pay the best apprentice rates and charge no tuition.
| Sponsor | City | Program type |
|---|---|---|
| East Tennessee Turf and Landscape | Whitesburg | Single Employer |
| Focus Freight LLC | Nashville | Single Employer |
| Future Truck Drivers of America | Memphis | Multiple Employer |
| G.I. APPRENTICE INC | Cordova | Multiple Employer |
| LEGENDARY AUTO LOGISTICS, INC | READYVILLE | Single Employer |
| Mountain Barn Builders, LLC | Clarkrange | Single Employer |
| OZARK MOTOR LINES, INC | MEMPHIS | Single Employer |
| PROGENY PLACE | MEMPHIS | Multiple Employer |
| TDS Disposal, LLC. | RED BOILING SPRINGS | Single Employer |
| TLD LOGISTICS | Crossville | Single Employer |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship sponsors (apprenticeship.gov).
What Truck Driver (CDL)s Earn in Tennessee
Wages
- Median annual wage: $55,610
- Average annual wage: $57,670
- Truck Driver (CDL)s employed statewide: 63,130
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024. Apprentices typically start at 40–50% of the journeyman rate and get scheduled raises.
10-year outlook
- Projected growth 2022–2032: +10%
- Average openings per year: 7,720
- Employment: 64,910 → 71,380
Source: Projections Central / state workforce agencies.
Prefer the school route? Compare Truck Driver (CDL) programs
Tennessee Licensing for Truck Driver (CDL)s
COMMERCIAL DRIVER
- Education: Specific course required
- Experience: Undetermined
- Exam: Third-party exam required
- Continuing education: No continuing education requirement
Issuing agency: Department of Safety
Commercial Drivers License (CDL)
- Education: No education required
- Experience: No experience
- Exam: State exam required
- Continuing education: No continuing education requirement
Issuing agency: Tennessee Department of Revenue · agency website
Source: CareerOneStop License Finder (U.S. Department of Labor). Time spent in a registered apprenticeship generally counts toward license experience requirements.