How long does cdl truck driver training take in Arkansas?

Most people become a CDL Truck Driver in Arkansas through FMCSA ELDT, a DOT medical exam, a CLP, and a state-issued CDL. Training is measured in weeks, not years.

How to Become a CDL Truck Driver in Arkansas (2026)

Q: How much do CDL truck drivers earn in Arkansas?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (May 2025), CDL truck drivers in Arkansas earned a median annual wage of approximately $51,550. Employment concentration in Arkansas is about 1.86 times the national average for this occupation.

Q: Do CDL truck drivers need a license in Arkansas?

Yes. Arkansas requires state-level licensing or registration for CDL truck drivers, administered by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration - Office of Motor Vehicles. See the licensing section above for credential types and current requirements.

Q: What is the job outlook for CDL truck drivers in Arkansas?

Arkansas currently employs approximately 32,220 workers, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 4.0% national employment change for this occupation from 2024 to 2034.

Updated June 8, 2026 | TradeCareerPath Editorial Team

Arkansas heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers earn a median annual wage of $51,550 ($24.79/hr) according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (May 2025), with about 32,220 workers employed statewide. The state median is approximately -12.1% below the national median of $58,640 for the same occupation.

Key Takeaways

Median annual pay: $51,550 ($24.79/hr)
25th percentile: $44,650 per year
75th percentile: $69,700 per year
Top 10% earn: more than $81,110 per year
Entry-level (bottom 10%): under $36,770 per year
Workers employed in Arkansas: 32,220
Versus national median: -12.1% below the U.S. median of $58,640
Job concentration: Location quotient 1.86 - this occupation is more concentrated in Arkansas than the national average

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025. Last reviewed June 8, 2026.

Arkansas employs about 32,220 CDL truck drivers earning a median $51,550 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Training as a CDL Truck Driver here means completing FMCSA ELDT, a DOT medical exam, a CLP, and a state-issued CDL. Training is measured in weeks, not years, then applying through Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration - Office of Motor Vehicles.

Compare CDL Truck Driver Schools in Arkansas

BOC Score, tuition, graduation rate, and median graduate earnings from federal IPEDS and U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard data. Tuition is the published annual figure for the latest reported year and excludes room, board, books and fees. Earnings are reported across all programs at the school (all majors), not a single trade. Distance is measured from the page's primary location.
#	School	BOC Score (0–100)	Tuition (published, per year)	Median grad earnings (all majors)	Graduation rate	Online	Distance
1	Arkansas State University-Newport	57.3	$3,312 in-state / $4,752 out-of-state	$50,129	46%	Yes*	81 mi
2	Black River Technical College	55.3	$4,776 in-state / $7,488 out-of-state	$48,715	55%	Yes*	119 mi
3	University of Arkansas Community College-Batesville	54.5	$3,630 in-state / $4,662 out-of-state	$45,597	66%	Yes*	71 mi
4	Arkansas State University Three Rivers	53.0	$3,788 in-state / $4,388 out-of-state	$33,964	26%	Yes*	48 mi
5	Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas	52.0	$3,380 in-state / $4,550 out-of-state	$39,117	55%	Yes*	106 mi
6	Arkansas State University-Mountain Home	50.2	$3,312 in-state / $4,776 out-of-state	$39,326	44%	Yes*	93 mi
7	University of Arkansas at Monticello	49.8	$9,292 in-state / $14,857 out-of-state	$48,735	49%	Yes*	100 mi
8	North Arkansas College	47.0	$3,504 in-state / $5,592 out-of-state	$46,210	42%	Yes*	95 mi
9	East Arkansas Community College	44.3	$3,300 in-state / $4,380 out-of-state	$42,176	51%	Yes*	91 mi
10	Coahoma Community College	44.1	$3,490	$31,140	41%	Yes*	114 mi

Schools closest to the page's primary location are gathered first, then ranked by BOC Score; distance from the page's primary location is shown for reference. The BOC Score is an independent measure of school outcomes (graduation, earnings, net price, retention) expressed as a 0–100 percentile within each school's peer group; higher is better and advertising never affects it. *Online availability refers to coursework; hands-on trade training is completed in person. Read the full methodology.

Arkansas employs approximately 32,220 CDL truck drivers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $51,550 ¹. The state’s concentration of cdl truck driver jobs is 1.86x the national average, indicating strong demand. Nationally, cdl truck driver employment is projected to grow 4.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 237,600 openings per year ². This page covers how to become a CDL Truck Driver in Arkansas, including licensing requirements, training programs, and salary data.

At a Glance

Training paths: ELDT from a Training Provider Registry school (find programs)
Typical timeline: FMCSA ELDT, a DOT medical exam, a CLP, and a state-issued CDL. Training is measured in weeks, not years
Licensing authority: Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration - Office of Motor Vehicles
Exam: state CDL skills test
Median wage (Arkansas): $51,550 per year ¹

Quick Answers About How to Become a CDL Truck Driver in Arkansas

How to become a CDL Truck Driver in Arkansas? Complete FMCSA ELDT, a DOT medical exam, a CLP, and a state-issued CDL. Training is measured in weeks, not years. Apply through Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration - Office of Motor Vehicles.

How long does it take? Most people finish FMCSA ELDT, a DOT medical exam, a CLP, and a state-issued CDL. Training is measured in weeks, not years. Confirm current hour totals with the program and Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration - Office of Motor Vehicles.

Do I need a license in Arkansas? Yes. Arkansas credentials this role through Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration - Office of Motor Vehicles ³. See the licensing section below.

What do CDL truck drivers earn in Arkansas? The median annual wage for CDL truck drivers in Arkansas is $51,550 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $36,770 and experienced professionals can earn $81,110 or more ¹.

How to Become a CDL Truck Driver in Arkansas

Meet age, record, and medical rules. Interstate CDL driving is generally 21 and up; many states allow intrastate CDL at 18. Pass a DOT medical exam from an NRCME examiner.
Complete FMCSA ELDT. Take Entry-Level Driver Training from a school on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry. This is not a registered apprenticeship.
Get a CLP and pass the skills test. Earn a commercial learner’s permit, practice, then pass the skills test at the state driver-license office.
Receive the CDL and endorsements. The state issues the CDL. Add endorsements the job needs. Confirm current rules with the state DMV, not a parent transportation agency homepage.

Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.

CDL Truck Driver License Requirements in Arkansas

CDL truck drivers in Arkansas complete FMCSA ELDT, pass a DOT medical exam, and earn a state-issued CDL. This is a weeks-long path, not a multi-year apprenticeship. See Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration - Office of Motor Vehicles ³.

Typical path

Meet age, record, and DOT medical rules.
Complete ELDT on the Training Provider Registry.
Get a CLP and pass the skills test.
Receive the CDL and needed endorsements from the state DMV.

Hour totals, fees, and reciprocity rules change. Confirm current requirements with Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration - Office of Motor Vehicles before you enroll.

CDL Truck Driver Wages by Metro Area in Arkansas

Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Wages by Metro Area in Arkansas

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers wages in Arkansas vary by metro area.

Metro Area	Employment	Median Annual Wage	Avg. Annual Wage	Entry Level (10th pctile)	Experienced (90th pctile)
Memphis	19,460	$63,070	$66,500	$44,200	$96,150
Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway	7,910	$57,050	$58,030	$37,800	$81,830
Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers	7,500	$60,480	$63,160	$40,520	$103,280
Fort Smith	2,030	$47,580	$51,790	$35,700	$74,000
Jonesboro	1,220	$47,670	$50,460	$34,400	$72,590
Texarkana	1,190	$49,050	$52,850	$34,560	$76,330
Hot Springs	320	$44,590	$45,870	$35,160	$60,490

Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the job outlook for CDL truck drivers in Arkansas? Arkansas currently employs approximately 32,220 CDL truck drivers ¹. Nationally, cdl truck driver employment is projected to grow 4.0% from 2024 to 2034 ².

Can I work as a cdl truck driver in Arkansas with an out-of-state license? Contact the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration - Office of Motor Vehicles for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.

What training programs are available in Arkansas? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and state-approved training programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in Arkansas.

How much do CDL truck drivers earn in Arkansas compared to the national average? The median annual wage for CDL truck drivers in Arkansas is $51,550, which is $5,890 below the national median of $57,440 according to BLS data ¹.

In Arkansas

Best Trade Schools in Arkansas (2026)

Top local programs

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Citations

About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.

References

Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration - Office of Motor Vehicles - Licensing Information: https://www.dfa.arkansas.gov ↩︎ ↩︎

Data sources

Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.

Data	Provider	Vintage
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)	U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics	May 2025
Employment Projections	U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics	2024-2034
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System	National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS)	2024
College Scorecard (school-level outcomes)	U.S. Department of Education	latest release
College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings)	U.S. Department of Education	latest release (updated 2026-06-12)
Occupational licensing requirements	CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor)	latest release (updated 2026-02-22)
Registered apprenticeship programs	CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor)	latest release (updated 2025-10-25)
O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones)	U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.)	O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13)