Asphalt driveway cost in Clarksville, TN
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (600 sq ft)
- $2,850 – $6,900
- Per sq ft
- $4.70 – $11
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −6%
- US $5,250
- Rank of 300 metros
- #202
- 1 = most expensive
Local price for an asphalt driveway in the Clarksville area: $2,850 to $6,900 for 600 sq ft. The low end is a basic job on easy ground; the high end is a premium spec with harder access. The midpoint runs 6% lower than the US figure. Paving, surfacing and tamping equipment operators earn a median of $24.17 an hour in the Clarksville area, 6% below the US median of $25.64.
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Estimated cost for 600 sq ft in Clarksville, TN, standard level
$4,100 to $5,700
About $6.65 to $9.25 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 39% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $2,500 | $3,250 |
| Labor | $1,500 | $2,300 |
| Permits and fees | $85 | $140 |
| Total | $4,100 | $5,700 |
Cost breakdown for 600 sq ft in Clarksville, TN
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,900 | $2,850 | $3,800 | 58% |
| Labor | $920 | $1,900 | $2,900 | 39% |
| Permits and fees | $45 | $110 | $180 | 2% |
| Total | $2,850 | $4,900 | $6,900 | 100% |
Where the Clarksville price comes from
The wage side of the estimate leans on paving, surfacing and tamping equipment operators, who do 40% of the hours on a typical job. Their local median is $24.17 an hour. Add the other trades involved and the blended wage index for Clarksville is 0.90 (US = 1.00), which puts labor at 39% of the total.
Materials are scaled with BEA's regional price parity for goods. Clarksville is at 96.2 against 100 for the US, so a materials line of $2,950 nationally becomes $2,850 here (midpoint, 600 sq ft). Permits follow the all-items index of 90.9: $45 to $180.
Who does the work: Clarksville trade wages
The labor line is built from BLS wage data, one trade at a time. This job draws on 3 trades. We compare each trade's local median with the US median, weight the ratios by how much of the job each trade does, and apply the blend to the national labor cost. For Clarksville the blend is 0.90.
Paving, surfacing and tamping equipment operators (47-2071), 40% of the weighting: a median of $24.17 an hour, 6% below the US median of $25.64. The middle half of them earn between $24.17 and $28.08 an hour. About 50 work in the metro. That is 4.8 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 2.7 nationally, which suggests plenty of local crews to bid.
For construction laborers (47-2061, weighted 30%) the local median is $20.17 an hour, which is 11% below the national $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $17.68 and $23.18 an hour. BLS counts 620 of them working in the area, 60.1 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 70.5), so the local bench is about average.
Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073), 30% of the weighting: a median of $24.48 an hour, 15% below the US median of $28.78. The middle half of them earn between $21.78 and $28.30 an hour. About 420 work in the metro. That is 40.7 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 30.7 nationally, which suggests plenty of local crews to bid.
A quick sensitivity check: moving the lead trade (paving, surfacing and tamping equipment operators) from the median to the 75th percentile wage adds about $130 to the midpoint estimate; the 25th percentile takes off about $0. That is a swing of roughly 0.0% to 2.7% of the total, which is useful for judging whether a bid reflects wages or something else, such as scope or margin.
Clarksville has 103,220 jobs in total (BLS, May 2025), ranking 200th by size among the 300 metros on this site.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paving, surfacing and tamping equipment operators (47-2071) | 40% | $24.17 | $24.17 | $28.08 | $25.64 | 0.94 | metro |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 30% | $17.68 | $20.17 | $23.18 | $22.66 | 0.89 | metro |
| Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073) | 30% | $21.78 | $24.48 | $28.30 | $28.78 | 0.85 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 0.90 | |||||
Related projects, priced for Clarksville
Jobs that often go together with asphalt driveway are priced below at their usual sizes, using the same Clarksville wage and price inputs. Compared with national midpoints, paver patio comes out highest (−5%) and concrete driveway lowest (−11%); the gap comes from the trades each job uses.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,250 – $8,150 | −11% |
| Gravel driveway | 1,000 sq ft | $2,300 – $9,350 | −8% |
| Paver patio | 300 sq ft | $2,850 – $5,150 | −5% |
| French drain | 60 linear ft | $550 – $1,950 | −8% |
| Concrete slab | 400 sq ft | $2,200 – $4,750 | −9% |
| Concrete patio | 300 sq ft | $1,150 – $3,600 | −10% |
Cost by quality level and size in Clarksville
The cited range is split into basic, standard and premium bands, then scaled to Clarksville. Bands overlap, because plenty of standard jobs cost as much as a light premium one. Sizes run from 1-car (12x20), 240 sq ft to long rural (10x100), 1,000 sq ft.
Basic
$2,850 to $4,500
New topcoat over a sound base, flat lot
Standard
$4,100 to $5,700
Full new driveway: base, 2-3 in of hot mix, edging
Premium
$5,300 to $6,900
Full tear-out and rebuild, drainage work, heavy-duty depth
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-car (12x20), 240 sq ft | $1,150 – $1,850 | $1,700 – $2,350 | $2,200 – $2,850 |
| 20x20 (400 sq ft) | $1,950 – $3,000 | $2,750 – $3,850 | $3,550 – $4,650 |
| 2-car (20x30), 600 sq ft | $2,850 – $4,500 | $4,100 – $5,700 | $5,300 – $6,900 |
| long rural (10x100), 1,000 sq ft | $4,750 – $7,400 | $6,750 – $9,400 | $8,750 – $11,400 |
Extras that change the Clarksville total
Add-ons start from national price ranges and are scaled by 0.93 for Clarksville, which is the average of the area's wage index (0.90) and goods price index (0.96). The estimator above can add them to your total.
| Add-on | Local range |
|---|---|
| Add a sealcoat | $560 – $1,100 |
The best months for asphalt driveway in Clarksville
Climate numbers on this page come from NOAA's 1991-2020 U.S. Climate Normals at the nearest suitable station, Clarksville Wwtp (in the city). They are 30-year averages, so any one year can run hotter, colder or wetter.
For digging, grading and setting material in the ground, the comfortable months in Clarksville are March through June and September through November: 7 of 12. Outside them, January, February and December have an average overnight low at or below freezing (32°F), and July and August have an average daytime high of 90°F or more.
In January, February and December the average low is at or below freezing, which means frozen ground and slower digging, compaction and sod or stone placement. NOAA counts about 79 days a year with a low at or below 32°F at this station.
Clarksville gets about 54 inches of precipitation in a normal year. The wettest months are April, May and December (5.6 inches in May). Inside the workable window, September and November are the driest, at 3.4 and 4.1 inches. The station averages about 57 days a year at 90°F or above.
We do not adjust the estimate by month, because we have no reliable published data on seasonal pricing. It is still worth asking contractors whether an off-peak start date changes their bid.
| Month | Avg high °F | Avg low °F | Precip (in) | For this job |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 47 | 28 | 4.0 | Cold |
| Feb | 52 | 31 | 4.5 | Cold |
| Mar | 61 | 38 | 4.8 | Workable |
| Apr | 72 | 47 | 5.0 | Workable |
| May | 79 | 57 | 5.6 | Workable |
| Jun | 87 | 65 | 4.7 | Workable |
| Jul | 90 | 69 | 4.6 | Hot |
| Aug | 90 | 67 | 3.7 | Hot |
| Sep | 84 | 60 | 3.4 | Workable |
| Oct | 72 | 48 | 4.3 | Workable |
| Nov | 60 | 37 | 4.1 | Workable |
| Dec | 50 | 31 | 4.9 | Cold |
Clarksville against nearby metros and the rest of Tennessee
Same job, same size (600 sq ft), priced for the nearest metros. Evansville is the priciest of the group at $5,350. Jackson is the cheapest at $4,750.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clarksville, TNthis page | $2,850 – $6,900 | $4,900 | |
| Nashville, TN65 miles | $2,900 – $7,050 | $5,000 | +2% |
| Bowling Green, KY70 miles | $2,900 – $6,950 | $4,900 | level |
| Evansville, IN95 miles | $3,100 – $7,600 | $5,350 | +9% |
| Jackson, TN95 miles | $2,800 – $6,700 | $4,750 | −3% |
| Huntsville, AL140 miles | $2,800 – $6,750 | $4,800 | −2% |
| Tennessee (statewide) | $2,850 – $6,800 | $4,800 | −1% |
| United States | $3,050 – $7,400 | $5,250 | +7% |
Out of the 300 metros we cover, Clarksville ranks #202 for the cost of this job (#1 is the most expensive). Statewide, Clarksville is 1% above the Tennessee figure.
Elsewhere in Tennessee
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville, TN | 1,099,300 jobs | $2,900 – $7,050 | $5,000 | +2% |
| Memphis, TN | 611,670 jobs | $2,800 – $6,750 | $4,800 | −2% |
| Knoxville, TN | 424,600 jobs | $2,800 – $6,700 | $4,750 | −2% |
| Chattanooga, TN | 268,750 jobs | $2,800 – $6,650 | $4,700 | −4% |
| Kingsport, TN | 119,560 jobs | $2,850 – $6,850 | $4,850 | −1% |
| Jackson, TN | 84,530 jobs | $2,800 – $6,700 | $4,750 | −3% |
Metros of a similar size
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Clarksville against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston, WV | 103,450 jobs | $2,950 – $7,150 | $5,050 | +3% |
| Lafayette, IN | 102,200 jobs | $3,050 – $7,550 | $5,300 | +8% |
| Gainesville, GA | 103,870 jobs | $2,800 – $6,700 | $4,750 | −3% |
| Lake Charles, LA | 101,690 jobs | $2,800 – $6,800 | $4,800 | −2% |
Asphalt driveway: what moves the price in Clarksville
Hot-mix price
Hot-mix asphalt is $100-$200 per ton delivered and moves with oil prices (PaveGauge).
Sealcoating
Sealing is $1-$2 per sq ft and is a maintenance cost, not part of the install.
New versus overlay
Resurfacing an existing driveway runs $3-$7 per sq ft; a full new driveway runs $5-$12+ (HomeGuide). Tearing out and replacing one is higher still.
Get 3 local quotes
Tell us about the job and we will try to connect you with up to three local contractors for written quotes. It is free and you are under no obligation to hire. Your estimate of $4,100 to $5,700 for Clarksville, TN is attached.
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Multi-page report for Clarksville, TN: low, typical and high cost, a line-item breakdown of materials and labor by trade, permit notes, the best months to schedule, a quote comparison sheet, red flags, questions for contractors, checklists and every source. Save your estimate above, preview page 1 free, and unlock the full report for $9 one-time, or get every report with CostLocal Pro.
Asphalt driveway in Clarksville: your questions
+How much does it cost to pave a driveway in Clarksville?
For 600 sq ft, expect $2,850 to $6,900 in the Clarksville area. A standard-spec job lands at $4,100 to $5,700. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for asphalt driveway in Clarksville?
About $4.70 to $11 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $45 to $180 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $5 to $12.
+Is asphalt driveway cheaper in Clarksville or Nashville?
Nashville is 65 miles away. The midpoint for 600 sq ft there is $5,000, which is 2% more than Clarksville ($4,900). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Clarksville?
About 39% at the midpoint, or $1,900 out of $4,900. Materials are 58% and permits 2%. Nationally, labor is 41%.
+What would 2-car (20x30), 600 sq ft cost in Clarksville?
$2,850 to $6,900. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does asphalt driveway need a permit in Clarksville?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $45 to $180 for fees in the Clarksville area (our national range of $50 to $200 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Clarksville expensive for asphalt driveway compared with the rest of Tennessee?
Clarksville is 1% above the Tennessee statewide estimate ($4,800 at the midpoint). We cover 8 metros in Tennessee; see the state page to compare them.
+What do paving, surfacing and tamping equipment operators earn in Clarksville?
The BLS median is $24.17 an hour in the Clarksville area, compared with $25.64 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $24.17 to $28.08.
+What do basic and premium asphalt driveway work cost in Clarksville?
For 600 sq ft, basic work runs $2,850 to $4,500 and premium work $5,300 to $6,900. Basic means: new topcoat over a sound base, flat lot. Premium means: full tear-out and rebuild, drainage work, heavy-duty depth.
+When is the best time to pave a driveway in Clarksville?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are March through June and September through November. September and November are typically the driest of those months. Local contractors' schedules matter as much as the weather, so book early for the busy months.
+What does "add a sealcoat" add in Clarksville?
$560 to $1,100 for 600 sq ft, from a national range scaled by the local wage and goods indexes.
Asphalt driveway near Clarksville
Where these numbers come from
Base prices are national ranges from the sources below. We scale labor by local BLS wages, materials by BEA goods prices and permits by the BEA all-items price level. Full method on the methodology page.
- HomeGuide: How Much Does Paving an Asphalt Driveway Cost? (2026) (accessed November 4, 2026)
- PaveGauge: Asphalt Driveway Cost (2026): Price by Size (accessed November 4, 2026)
- HomeGuide: 2026 Building Permit Costs | Fees & Cost Calculator (accessed November 4, 2026)
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025
- BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals, 1991-2020
Note on derived figures: Materials = hot-mix asphalt ($2.30-$3.60/sq ft at 3 in) plus aggregate base ($1-$3/sq ft) from PaveGauge's component table.