Career Guide
CDL Truck Driver: Pay & How to Get Hired
A CDL truck driver hauls goods over the road in heavy trucks and tractor-trailers, using a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). In the U.S. they make about $28.19 an hour, and many companies pay for your CDL training.
What a CDL Truck Driver makes
| Lower pay (25%) | Typical (median) | Higher pay (75%) |
|---|---|---|
| $23.06/hr | $28.19/hr | $33.23/hr |
U.S. average, 2025. Pay is higher in some metros.
Data from
· U.S. Dept. of Labor (ETA) & Minnesota DEEDSee cdl truck driver pay near you How much experience you need
Little to no experience needed — many employers train you on the job.
Usually a high school diploma or GED, though some employers don't require one. You must earn a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) at an approved school.
In demand — the U.S. Dept. of Labor flags lots of openings
Source: This application incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). O*NET Web Services. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
What a CDL Truck Driver does
- Drive heavy trucks or tractor-trailers to deliver goods over local or long routes.
- Inspect the truck's brakes, tires, lights, and safety equipment before and after trips.
- Check that cargo is loaded correctly and secured for safe travel.
- Keep required logs and load paperwork complete and accurate.
- Get receipts or signatures for delivered goods.
Also called: CDL Driver, Over the Road Driver (OTR), Line Haul Driver, Delivery Driver.
Source: This application incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). O*NET Web Services. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
How to get hired as a CDL Truck Driver
- Get your commercial learner's permit (CLP) by passing the written CDL tests at your state DMV.
- Enroll in an FMCSA-registered CDL training school — search the federal Training Provider Registry.
- Ask carriers about paid CDL training programs so an employer covers the cost.
- Pass the CDL skills and road test, then apply — freight, delivery, and OTR jobs hire year-round.
The card that helps you earn more
CDL-A (Commercial Driver's License)
employers often pay · ~200h to earn
Many carriers (Schneider and others) run paid CDL training — you can earn while you learn instead of paying up front.
How to get itReady to get hired? Make a free Work Card employers can see.
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Frequently asked
How much do CDL truck drivers make an hour?+
In the U.S., heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers make about $28.19 an hour on average, and most earn between $23.06 and $33.23 an hour, per 2025 U.S. Department of Labor data. Long-haul and specialized routes pay more.
How do you get a CDL?+
Pass the written tests for a commercial learner's permit, train at an FMCSA-registered CDL school, then pass the skills and road test. Many trucking companies run paid CDL training so an employer covers the cost.
Does an employer pay for CDL training?+
Often, yes. Large carriers like Schneider and many others run paid CDL training programs where you earn while you learn instead of paying for school up front.
Do you need experience to become a truck driver?+
No prior trucking experience is required — the U.S. Department of Labor lists it as needing little preparation beyond earning your CDL. You do need to be old enough (usually 21 for interstate driving) and pass a DOT physical.