How to Become A CDL Truck Driver in Colorado
Colorado employs approximately 25,350 cdl truck drivers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $61,500 1. 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 Colorado, including requirements, training programs, and salary data.
Quick Answers About Becoming A CDL Truck Driver in Colorado
How do I become a cdl truck driver in Colorado? Colorado requires credentials such as Commercial Drivers License (CDL). The licensing authority is the Department of Revenue - CDL. You also need to complete an approved training program or apprenticeship.
How long does it take? Typical requirements include approximately 4 years of experience.
Do I need a license in Colorado? Yes. Colorado has licensing or registration requirements for cdl truck drivers. See the licensing section below for details.
What do cdl truck drivers earn in Colorado? The median annual wage for cdl truck drivers in Colorado is $61,500 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $47,010 and experienced professionals can earn $80,570 or more 1.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Licensing authority: Department of Revenue - CDL
- Median wage (Colorado): $61,500 per year 1
- Exam requirement: Third-party exam required
CDL Truck Driver License Requirements in Colorado
The Department of Revenue - CDL oversees cdl truck driver licensing in Colorado.
License Types
| License | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Commercial Drivers License (CDL) | You must have a valid Commercial Driver License (CDL) to operate: Any commercial motor vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more Any commercial vehicle that is designe… |
Additional Requirements
- Exam: Third-party exam required
License information sourced from CareerOneStop 3.
CDL Truck Driver Wages by Metro Area in Colorado
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Wages by Metro Area in Colorado
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers wages in Colorado vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial | 14,320 | $63,900 | $66,130 | $48,270 | $82,620 |
| Greeley | 2,700 | $59,450 | $61,190 | $47,800 | $76,910 |
| Colorado Springs | 1,860 | $59,790 | $60,110 | $45,150 | $77,790 |
| Fort Collins-Loveland | 1,410 | $60,380 | $60,590 | $43,960 | $77,170 |
| Grand Junction | 950 | $56,600 | $59,800 | $44,390 | $82,650 |
| Boulder | 650 | $63,810 | $63,830 | $48,490 | $77,340 |
| Pueblo | 440 | $55,070 | $55,840 | $39,800 | $70,820 |
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 2025.
Top Metros for Cdl truck drivers in Colorado
The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest cdl truck driver employment within Colorado according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial | 14,320 | $63,900 |
| Greeley | 2,700 | $59,450 |
| Colorado Springs | 1,860 | $59,790 |
| Fort Collins-Loveland | 1,410 | $60,380 |
| Grand Junction | 950 | $56,600 |
Explore cdl truck driver programs in Denver, Greeley, and Colorado Springs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for cdl truck drivers in Colorado? Colorado currently employs approximately 25,350 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 Colorado with an out-of-state license? Contact the Department of Revenue - CDL for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in Colorado? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in Colorado.
How much do cdl truck drivers earn in Colorado compared to the national average? The median annual wage for cdl truck drivers in Colorado is $61,500, which is $4,060 above the national median of $57,440 according to BLS data 1.
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/ ↩︎ ↩︎
CareerOneStop - Licensed Occupations: https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Training/find-licenses.aspx ↩︎
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) |