Georgia is a bright spot in the Southeast as an important logistics hub. It’s not just a favorable climate – it’s an international hub of commerce, fueled by the Port of Savannah, one of the busiest container ports in the United States, as well as the extensive distribution network radiating out of the Atlanta region. Depending on the commodity – raw materials, parts, consumer products, or manufactured goods – the velocity of the flow of freight entering, exiting, or traveling through Georgia is significant.
This constant motion creates a dynamic, fast-paced freight environment where skilled commercial drivers are essential to keeping supply chains moving. With such demand, compensation naturally becomes a top concern for both new entrants and experienced professionals. As a result, many drivers and industry observers ask a critical question: how much does a truck driver make in Georgia, and how does that compare to other major freight states?
For professional drivers, the takeaway is clear: Georgia presents a great opportunity for high pay due to the high volume of freight and specialized freight such as flatbed and intermodal services offered in the state and surrounding regions. This makes for more miles driven daily, steady freight, and higher-than-normal pay for qualified truckers. Click on our in-depth study for more information on how Georgia relates to industry trends on pay issues at “How Much Does a Truck Driver Make in 2026?”
Contents:
How Much Does a Truck Driver Make in Georgia: The Baseline Figures
In most cases, people start with general data from the government. According to statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), median annual salaries in this industry are $54,770, on average, statewide, including local deliveries, as heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers, while hourly rates are approximately $26.33 per hour. This creates a floor and not a ceiling salary. The actual amount takes into consideration the average for all skill levels and does not constitute the maximum for an experienced over-the-road driver in the industry. The heavy freight demand created by the distribution centers in Atlanta as well as the Port of Savannah will increase the potential top salary for CDL truckers above the minimum amount.
Here is what an experienced OTR professional can realistically expect when maximizing specialization and mileage in the Georgia market:
| Pay Period | GA Statewide BLS Average | Estimated OTR Dry Van (Experienced) | Estimated OTR Flatbed (Premium) |
| Annual/Per Year | $54,770 | $69,000 – $90,000 | $84,446 |
| Monthly | ~$4,564 | ~$5,750 – $7,500 | ~$7,037 |
| Weekly | ~$1,053 | ~$1,327 – $1,730 | ~$1,623 |
The strong pull of the Atlanta hub means OTR drivers in Georgia consistently earn significantly more than the average truck driver salary in Georgia, with established Flatbed drivers hitting a verified annual income of $84,446, proving the value of complex hauling in this market.
How Much Do Local Truck Drivers Make in Georgia?
For drivers who prioritize daily home time and are rooted in cities like Atlanta or Savannah, the pay structure is fundamentally different from OTR. The high congestion and frequent stop-and-go demands of the Atlanta metro area necessitate an hourly pay model for local work.
The rate of pay for CDL jobs locally typically starts at around $20 to $35 per hour. The reasoning behind this strategy is that a system based on a pricing per mile formula (Cents Per Mile), while efficient and worthwhile elsewhere, would be rather unstable and unreliable in heavily congested areas. The system is ideal from a personal perspective because it provides a steady paycheck on a weekly basis and ensures all aspects of a personal life remain stable. The one possible drawback to this system is giving up potential huge rewards available in OTR.
CDL Driver Salary in Georgia (OTR and Specialization Premium)
If maximizing your income is the goal, then specialization is the non-negotiable path. The competitive CDL driver salary in Georgia is heavily influenced by the volume of construction, manufacturing, and high-value goods moving through the state.
The Flatbed and Industrial Premium
The fastest way to increase your annual salary is to become a professional Flatbed driver. Carriers pay a great deal more for this specialty, often $10,000-15,000 or more per year more than the standard Dry Van work, because it requires more specialized labor (securing, tarping) and is more costly.
This premium is confirmed by the reliable average of experienced Flatbed drivers at $84,446 per year. Drivers can quickly leap out of the Georgia median truck driver salary and into the upper income bands if they consistently handle such high-value, complex loads. The cost of the CDL drivers in Georgia is directly related to their expertise and willingness to take on the hardest freight.
The Real-World CPM Trade-Off: Pay vs. Home Time
In Georgia the decision between carriers is often down to their relationship of pay in terms of time they demand. This is the problem in the trucking industry of today.
The Stability of the Mega-Carrier:
The large national carriers, called mega-carriers, offer a W-2 employment strategy geared toward stability and broad benefits. They can typically charge a starting CPM between $0.55 and $0.65 per hour for experienced drivers. The advantage here is not the highest base rate, but the scale that provides high reliable weekly miles (2,500-3,000 miles is the target) 9 and predictable home time, often bi-weekly or on designated regional lanes. This stability reduces risk and provides a stable annual income.
The Small Fleet High-CPM Bargain:
Smaller, regional operations often advertise a higher base CPM, sometimes pushing into the $0.65 to $0.75 range to attract talent. This extra money comes with a significant sacrifice: these smaller carriers usually lack the flexible infrastructure to route trucks efficiently, forcing drivers to stay out for three to four consecutive weekly periods. The high CPM is essentially transactional payment for four daily resets away from home every month. The true cost here is time, which is why the truck driver salary in Georgia for these roles must be higher to compensate for the quality-of-life impact.
The Power of Effective CPM
Smart drivers in Georgia focus on their effective CPM, which includes accessorial pay – compensation for work that isn't driving. This is vital in the congested Atlanta area. A carrier that consistently and efficiently pays $50-$75 per hour for detention and ensures timely layover pay is often more financially beneficial than one with a high base CPM but poor back-office support. Accessorial pay significantly boosts the total income generated per year.
What Are the True Factors That Determine Truck Driver Salary in Georgia?
The progression of your truck driver salary in Georgia is entirely within your control, defined by career commitment and specialization.
Experience and Tenure
The most reliable way to increase your salary is simply time on the road. New drivers (0-1 year) start at the lowest end, sometimes making $34,500 to $50,000. Conversely, senior drivers (5+ years) who have mastered the OTR lifestyle and boast a clean record become essential. They command the highest CPMs and achieve total earnings easily exceeding $80,000 and up to $120,000 or more.
Endorsements are Non-Negotiable Income Multipliers
If you want to earn top money, specialized endorsements are required.
- Hazmat (H) Endorsement: Required for transporting regulated materials. This expertise provides premium pay due to the risk.
- Tanker (N) Endorsement: Essential for hauling bulk liquids or gases. This expertise generally adds an extra $3,000 to $7,000 per year to your base salary.
Pay Structure: CPM vs. Percentage
The structure defines your risk. CPM offers stable income based on miles driven, while percentage pay exposes your annual income to the volatility of market freight rates.
Owner-Operator Potential
For a driven owner operator, owning their equipment, gross profit can potentially rise to $380,000 in a year. Nevertheless, after incurring high expenses of operation, possibly reaching as high as $70,000 in a year for fuel and maintenance, the adjusted net profit for a competent owner operator usually ranges between $70,000 and $150,000 in a year, thus making it a high-stakes gamble.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Forecasts for 2026: The long-term forecast for the average salary for a truck driver in the state of Georgia is extremely bright. The chronic problem of a driver shortage, exacerbated by the information illustrating 57% of the current drivers being over the age of 45, ensures higher wages well into the forecast period of 2026. The need for skilled workers to service the Atlanta logistics market ensures that the top CDL driver salaries in the state of Georgia continue to rise.
If you are an experienced CDL driver seeking stable annual income and great home time, consider applying to HMD Trucking. We’re hiring CDL truck drivers in Atlanta, offering opportunities for Dry Van and Flatbed OTR drivers, as well as CDL-A Hazmat positions. Lease purchase trucking jobs are also available in the Atlanta area.
In addition, drivers based in Augusta, GA and Columbus, GA can apply for Dry Van and Flatbed trucking positions, providing more opportunities for professional drivers across Georgia to find the right fit close to home.
