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What is a cdl class a driver and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
5 min read
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CDL Class A drivers are individuals who hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) allowing them to operate large vehicles such as tractor-trailers, tankers, and other heavy vehicles. They transport goods and materials over long distances, typically between different cities and states. CDL Class A drivers must undergo specialized training and pass a series of tests to obtain their license. They must also adhere to strict safety regulations and maintain their vehicle in good condition. A good CDL Class A driver has a strong work ethic, attention to detail, excellent driving skills, and a commitment to safety.

ScoreCDL Class A DriverUS Average
Salary
4.1

Avg. Salary $52,203

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
7.3

Growth rate 4%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
5.1
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.80%

Asian 3.63%

Black or African American 12.95%

Hispanic or Latino 19.72%

Unknown 4.67%

White 58.22%

Gender

female 6.77%

male 93.23%

Age - 49
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 49
Stress level
7.3

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
4.6

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance
1.4

Work life balance is very poor

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a cdl class a driver?

Pros

  • Good salary and benefits

  • High demand for drivers, leading to job security

  • Ability to work independently on the road

  • Potential for advancement within the industry

  • Chance to meet new people and build relationships with customers

Cons

  • Irregular schedules and time away from home can strain personal relationships

  • High stress environment with tight deadlines and traffic congestion

  • Risk of accidents on the road, leading to injury or property damage

  • Regulations and safety requirements can be strict and difficult to comply with

  • Limited opportunities for exercise or healthy eating while on the road

Cdl class a driver career paths

Key steps to become a cdl class a driver

  1. Explore cdl class a driver education requirements

    Most common cdl class a driver degrees

    High School Diploma

    39.3 %

    Certificate

    19.0 %

    Associate

    17.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific cdl class a driver skills

    SkillsPercentages
    OTR31.25%
    Customer Service20.00%
    Hazmat4.52%
    Customer Locations3.81%
    Math3.05%
  3. Complete relevant cdl class a driver training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New cdl class a drivers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a cdl class a driver based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real cdl class a driver resumes.
  4. Gain additional cdl class a driver certifications

    Cdl class a driver certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific cdl class a driver certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for cdl class a drivers include Commercial Driver License (CDL) and OSHA Safety Certificate .

    More About Certifications
  5. Research cdl class a driver duties and responsibilities

    • Well verse in HAZMAT carriage and delivery precautions and protocols.
    • Maintain the company vehicle's emergency equip, inspections, and cleanliness.
    • Maintain a standard level of cleanliness for each truck and trailer after the trip are completed.
    • Plan OTR travel routes in accordance with traffic and bulk cargo transportation laws, regulations and guidelines.
  6. Prepare your cdl class a driver resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your cdl class a driver resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a cdl class a driver resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable cdl class a driver resume templates

    Build a professional cdl class a driver resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your cdl class a driver resume.
    CDL Class A Driver Resume
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    CDL Class A Driver Resume
  7. Apply for cdl class a driver jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a cdl class a driver job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first cdl class a driver job

Zippi

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Average cdl class a driver salary

The average cdl class a driver salary in the United States is $52,203 per year or $25 per hour. Cdl class a driver salaries range between $36,000 and $75,000 per year.

Average cdl class a driver salary
$52,203 Yearly
$25.10 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do cdl class a drivers rate their job?

4/5

Based on 1 ratings

5 stars

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3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Cdl class a driver reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2022
Pros

Seeing different areas and being left alone. Meeting new people along the way.

Cons

Rough roads people that are texting while I'm driving down the road. At least 5 out of 10 drivers are texting.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2022
Cons

Cinema

Pros

Experience 8 year GCC county almost work driving responsibility passenger drop location and food delivery timing driving delivery I am work hope


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2021
Pros

I always want to be a good behaviour and transparency

Cons

I don't like laziness or bad behaviour or any controversy


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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