Transportation
CDL Truck Driver
CDL truck drivers are responsible, independent people who enjoy driving and seeing new places. This role suits those who like steady routines, following safety rules, and delivering goods that keep stores and businesses running. You should be reliable, safety-focused, and okay with time away from home. No college degree is needed. It offers stable work with good pay and strong demand for dependable drivers.
Median wage
$28.19/hr
Physical demands
medium
Drug test
Yes
National wages & job outlook
National figures for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers, shown as published by the source below.
Entry (10th–25th pct)
$19.3–$23.06/hr
Median
$28.19/hr
Experienced (75th–90th pct)
$33.23–$38.17/hr
Projected openings / year
237,600
+4% growth, 2024–2034
Wage data: 2025. National figures; local pay varies.
Source: CareerOneStop (careeronestop.org), sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration (DOLETA), and the Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED).
Starting requirements
- Age 21 for interstate routes
- High school diploma or GED (often preferred)
- Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
- Ability to pass a DOT physical and drug test
- Good vision and hand-eye coordination
- Willingness to get a CDL and safety training
Training structure
CDL training programs typically last 3 to 8 weeks at truck driving schools. You learn vehicle operation, safety regulations, logbooks, and defensive driving. Many companies offer paid training or apprenticeships. After passing tests, you earn your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and start working.
Top credentials
- Class A CDL
- Hazmat Endorsement
- Tanker Endorsement
- Forklift Certification
Licenses & certifications
Licenses are state-specific and certifications vary by specialty. Look up the exact ones for this path in your state.
Open the license & certification finderAdvancement path
Entry: CDL truck driver (local or regional routes)
Mid-Level: Long-haul or specialized driver (tank, flatbed, hazmat)
Advanced: Team driver, trainer, fleet supervisor, or owner-operator
Experience and safe driving can lead to better routes, higher pay, and leadership roles.
Typical employers
Carriers, logistics companies, distributors, public agencies
A day in the life
You start by inspecting your truck and loading cargo. Your day involves driving safe routes, making deliveries, and completing paperwork. You may stop for rest breaks and communicate with dispatch. The work is steady and independent, ending with the satisfaction of keeping supply chains moving across the country.