Here towards the end of 2022, CDL-A truck driver training programs vary considerably in cost from between about $2,000-$8000.
As reference, we researched the cost of programs at trucking schools in our network, and also non-partner schools listed in our directory. Since the next page you’ll probably want is the financial aid info page, there it is.
A Good Investment?
When compared to other types of education, truck driver training has one of the highest rates of return. For a very affordable investment, entry level salaries can be between $40,000-50,ooo. In some areas of the U.S. maybe even more.
The average annual pay is about $55,990, and the top 10 percent of truckers earned $76,780 or more . That’s according to the BLS, whose most recent statistics are for 2023.
People who opt for a traditional university degree can easily rack up thousands of dollars in debt in student loans. In addition, the traditional college career path takes at least four years to graduate.
Even after spending four years completing a Bachelor’s degree, most entry-level positions for recent college graduates pay about the same as truck driving jobs.
Quick Path to a Good Salary
In just a few short weeks, you can be in a new career earning a real salary for less than you think. Most truck drivers are able to pay off their truck driving school costs in less than one year. Some of the top companies offer paid CDL training situations as well. On top of that, many motor carriers will help their employees pay off their loans through a tuition reimbursement program.
Different Schools, Different Choices
While each program is unique, the schools offer different ways to make the program work for every student. All of our schools have some form of tuition assistance, WIA, Carrier Tuition Reimbursement and VA benefits. Some even have Pell Grants and Guaranteed Student Loan programs.
Regardless of truck driving school costs, every school in our network is devoted to helping you get the greatest return on your educational investment. Fill out our application to connect with a school now.
Example Job with Paid CDL Training
CDL-A Truck Driver – No Experience Required – Paid Training
TMC
TMC is hiring entry level CDL A truck drivers near Syracuse, NY.
TMC is hiring CDL-A truck drivers near Syracuse, NY. Positions are open for experienced and non-experienced CDL drivers.
Excellent Benefits:
- Home Weekends – our flatbed drivers typically run within a 1,200-mile radius of their home
- Health insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription)
- Top-quality Peterbilt equipment
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
- 401(k) with company match
- Weekly pay & direct deposit
Orientation & Training:
Our program is one of the few on-the-job truck driver training programs in the country approved by the Department of Labor as a certified Heavy Truck Driver Apprenticeship program.
Orientation is two weeks at one of our training facilities located in Des Moines, Iowa or Columbia, South Carolina. Orientation is followed by four weeks over-the-road (OTR) with a Driver Trainer. Home time is important to us, so we try our best to pair you with a trainer that lives within 150 miles of your home so you can enjoy your weekends with friends or family.
- Week 1 (Mon-Sun): a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on load securement training.
- Week 2 (Mon-Sun): equipment familiarization and learning how to complete a thorough DOT Pre-Trip Inspection along with backing and driving instruction.
- Remainder of training (Mon-Fri) go out with a driver trainer for experience on the road driving!
Requirements
- CDL Learners permit from your state of residence
- No recent DOT-reportable accidents or DUIs
- Military experience equivalency may substitute for some requirements
Pay
- New drivers are earning up to $100,000 annually!
- Drivers average $1,350 – $1,600 weekly
- Paid orientation and training
- Paid vacation
Find a CDL school in New York.
^Yes, that’s a real job listing.
Reference:
Use the program search application to connect with a CDL training school near you.
