Real salary data by state, CDL school costs, honest lifestyle breakdowns, and the top companies hiring right now. No recruiters. No sales pitch. Just answers.
Enter your details to get a personalized salary estimate based on real 2026 market data from BLS, ZipRecruiter, and Indeed.
Average annual salaries for CDL Class A heavy truck drivers based on BLS and ZipRecruiter data. Sorted from highest to lowest pay.
| Rank | State | Avg Annual Salary | Hourly Rate | vs National Avg | Pay Scale |
|---|
The most important decision you'll make as a new CDL driver. Each type has completely different pay, lifestyle, and home time. Here's the honest breakdown.
The full cost breakdown — from school tuition to your license fees. Plus the most important thing most people don't know: companies will often pay for your CDL.
Private schools cost the most ($7K–$10K). Community colleges are cheaper ($3K–$5K) but have waitlists. Duration is typically 3–8 weeks.
Commercial Learner's Permit ($10–$50), CDL license ($30–$100), and written/skills test fees vary by state.
Required before you can get your CDL. DOT physical ($50–$150), drug screen ($30–$60). Must be renewed every 2 years.
Hazmat, Tanker, Doubles/Triples each require additional tests. Hazmat also requires a TSA background check. But they boost your pay significantly.
The biggest carriers hiring right now, with starting pay, training programs, and home time policies.
In-depth guides on every aspect of starting a trucking career.
Every step from the DMV permit test to your first job, with exact costs and timelines.
Get your CDL for $0 upfront. The full list of carriers offering paid training programs.
Real drivers share what they wish they knew before choosing their driving type.
The math most people get wrong. Real numbers on what owner operators actually take home.
Hazmat, tanker, oversized loads — the specializations that push your pay above $90K.
Health, relationships, money, and mental health. The honest side of a trucking career.