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CDL training and truck driving schools
253 colleges and career schools report CDL programs to IPEDS, with 21,399 completions in 2023-24, and 4,217 public in-person locations are on FMCSA's training registry.
The rules for CDL training
Since February 7, 2022, people getting a first Class A or B CDL, or a passenger, school bus or hazmat endorsement, must first complete entry-level driver training from a provider on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry. (49 CFR 380, subpart F)
Theory and behind-the-wheel training (range and public road) must be finished within one year of completing the first part, except for the hazmat endorsement. (49 CFR 380.603(c)(3))
CDL Training by state
| State | Programs | Median pay |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | 12 | $70,100 |
| Alabama | 74 | $52,120 |
| Arkansas | 66 | $51,550 |
| Arizona | 84 | $58,080 |
| California | 479 | $60,230 |
| Colorado | 66 | $61,500 |
| Connecticut | 19 | $60,490 |
| Delaware | 16 | $57,590 |
| Florida | 130 | $50,640 |
| Georgia | 102 | $57,050 |
| Hawaii | 30 | $59,820 |
| Iowa | 60 | $58,070 |
| Idaho | 42 | $58,770 |
| Illinois | 125 | $60,320 |
| Indiana | 173 | $60,290 |
| Kansas | 52 | $58,920 |
| Kentucky | 96 | $56,340 |
| Louisiana | 81 | $49,320 |
| Massachusetts | 34 | $63,030 |
| Maryland | 78 | $59,360 |
| Maine | 46 | $57,050 |
| Michigan | 54 | $57,180 |
| Minnesota | 57 | $61,990 |
| Missouri | 109 | $54,550 |
| Mississippi | 124 | $51,820 |
| Montana | 76 | $58,870 |
| North Carolina | 93 | $51,530 |
| North Dakota | 32 | $60,910 |
| Nebraska | 54 | $58,390 |
| New Hampshire | 20 | $60,280 |
| New Jersey | 193 | $63,570 |
| New Mexico | 56 | $50,500 |
| Nevada | 26 | $62,290 |
| New York | 168 | $62,050 |
| Ohio | 62 | $59,800 |
| Oklahoma | 104 | $54,410 |
| Oregon | 53 | $61,980 |
| Pennsylvania | 143 | $58,580 |
| Rhode Island | 4 | $60,190 |
| South Carolina | 58 | $51,130 |
| South Dakota | 36 | $58,690 |
| Tennessee | 93 | $58,620 |
| Texas | 372 | $56,290 |
| Utah | 69 | $60,620 |
| Virginia | 99 | $56,860 |
| Vermont | 12 | $60,830 |
| Washington | 133 | $64,760 |
| Wisconsin | 68 | $58,610 |
| West Virginia | 44 | $49,480 |
| Wyoming | 23 | $60,310 |
Programs counts IPEDS schools, FMCSA registry locations. Median pay: BLS OEWS, May 2025, annual.
CDL Training in the largest metro areas
- New York area196 programs · median pay $65,040
- Los Angeles area132 programs · median pay $60,340
- Dallas area71 programs · median pay $59,530
- Chicago area91 programs · median pay $62,300
- Philadelphia area67 programs · median pay $59,370
- Houston area55 programs · median pay $56,840
- Fresno area50 programs · median pay $55,740
- Sacramento area40 programs · median pay $60,810
- San Francisco area31 programs · median pay $66,450
- Bakersfield area23 programs · median pay $57,690
- San Diego area21 programs · median pay $59,780
- Pittsburgh area26 programs · median pay $57,880
- Stockton area21 programs · median pay $60,470
- San Antonio area19 programs · median pay $53,650
- Modesto area17 programs · median pay $58,330
- Orlando area19 programs · median pay $50,250
- Tampa area16 programs · median pay $50,560
- El Paso area15 programs · median pay $49,270
- Miami area16 programs · median pay $51,580
- Austin area16 programs · median pay $57,110
- Cincinnati area16 programs · median pay $60,590
- Kiryas Joel area12 programs · median pay $62,760
- McAllen area17 programs · median pay $47,040
- Allentown area11 programs · median pay $60,090
Paying for CDL training
CDL questions, answered from the data
How long is CDL training?
Among 77 certificate programs that report a length to IPEDS, the middle one takes 2 months; half take between 1 month and 3 months. Clock-hour programs run 160 to 320 hours (middle 160).
How much does a CDL school cost?
The middle whole-program tuition among 77 certificate programs reporting one to IPEDS for 2024-25 is $5,000; half cost between $3,805 and $5,875.
What do heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers earn?
The national median annual wage for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers was $58,640 in May 2025 ($28 an hour), from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics; the lowest-paid tenth earned under $40,140.