CDL truck drivers move the goods the country runs on — freight, fuel, food, and materials — over the road, regionally, or locally. It's one of the fastest trades to enter: many drivers earn a Commercial Driver's License in weeks, sometimes through paid company training, and are on the road earning quickly.
3–7 weeks at a CDL school or through paid company training. Learn to operate and inspect the rig.
First year OTR or regional. ~$45K–$60K building experience and a clean record.
Better routes, dedicated lanes, or specialized freight. $65K–$80K+.
Own your truck or haul specialized/hazmat loads. $90K+ with the added responsibility of running a business.
Your skills and interests may align with more than one trade. Compare before committing.
Our Salary Compare tool shows CDL Truck Driver wages at every experience level — and compares them against other trades and a 4-year degree path.
Compare CDL Truck Driver Salaries →Registered apprenticeships pay you from day one. There is no national list of open seats — programs recruit on their own schedules. The way in is to find the programs near you and ask when they take applications.
Find programs near you → Browse Trade SchoolsThe DOL Partner Finder lists registered apprenticeship sponsors — employers and organizations that run programs. Search Truck Driver and your state, then call the ones near you and ask when they accept applications. Some open once a year.y or ZIP to see what's open near you.