Atlanta, GA
Looking for OTR CDL-A work around Atlanta? Here's the pay, the home time, and a fast way to get matched with carriers hiring right now.
Atlanta is the Southeast's distribution command center, where I-75, I-85, and I-20 converge within a two-day drive of over 80% of the U.S. population and serve as the primary inland destination for containers from the Port of Savannah.
Long-haul freight across multiple states or coast-to-coast, paid mostly by the mile — the highest-mileage and typically highest-paying route type for company drivers. For CDL-A drivers based in Atlanta and nearby communities like McDonough, Austell, Stockbridge, that translates to steady freight and OTR runs you can actually build a schedule around.
OTR CDL-A pay in this market typically runs about $79k to $105k a year for company drivers, before sign-on bonuses, detention, and per diem. The number that matters most is weekly miles times your rate — a strong rate on thin miles loses to a steady seat every time.
Most OTR CDL-A work here moves dry van and reefer for the region's retail, grocery, and manufacturing shippers, with flatbed and tanker available for drivers who want a pay premium and have the endorsements.
Georgia rates run about 4% below the national average for the same freight, which is baked into the numbers below. Figures assume 2,750 paid miles a week (typical for OTR out of Atlanta) plus ~7% in accessorials (detention, stop pay, per diem), over 50 working weeks.
| Experience | Rate (typical–good) | Weekly gross | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–2 years | $0.54–0.60/mi | $1,582–$1,751 | $79,094–$87,569 |
| 2–5 years | $0.58–0.64/mi | $1,695–$1,893 | $84,744–$94,631 |
| 5+ years | $0.62–0.71/mi | $1,836–$2,090 | $91,806–$104,518 |
From the CDL Lane pay model — cents-per-mile researched across 100+ carriers (how we calculate), adjusted for Georgia. Run your own numbers in the pay calculator.
Tell us your experience, freight, and schedule. We'll line up OTR carriers hiring near Atlanta — free, fast, no obligation.
Get matched →OTR CDL-A drivers in the Atlanta market typically earn $79k–$105k a year, with the exact number driven by experience, weekly miles, and freight type — the table above breaks it down by experience band.
Typically 2–3+ weeks out with a few days home between runs. OTR pays the most because of the miles — the figures above assume a normal 2,750-mile week.
A valid CDL-A and a reasonably clean driving record cover most openings. Tell CDL Lane your experience, preferred freight, and home base and we'll match you with carriers hiring near Atlanta — including McDonough, Austell, Stockbridge.