How long does cdl truck driver training take in Iowa?

Most people become a CDL Truck Driver in Iowa 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 Iowa (2026)

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

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (May 2025), CDL truck drivers in Iowa earned a median annual wage of approximately $58,070. Employment concentration in Iowa is about 1.69 times the national average for this occupation.

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

Yes. Iowa requires state-level licensing or registration for CDL truck drivers, administered by the Iowa Motor Vehicle Division and the Iowa Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Division. See the licensing section above for credential types and current requirements.

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

Iowa currently employs approximately 35,040 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

Iowa heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers earn a median annual wage of $58,070 ($27.92/hr) according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (May 2025), with about 35,040 workers employed statewide. The state median is approximately -1.0% below the national median of $58,640 for the same occupation.

Key Takeaways

Median annual pay: $58,070 ($27.92/hr)
25th percentile: $48,350 per year
75th percentile: $64,190 per year
Top 10% earn: more than $77,910 per year
Entry-level (bottom 10%): under $42,390 per year
Workers employed in Iowa: 35,040
Versus national median: -1.0% below the U.S. median of $58,640
Job concentration: Location quotient 1.69 - this occupation is more concentrated in Iowa than the national average

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

Iowa employs about 35,040 CDL truck drivers earning a median $58,070 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 Iowa Motor Vehicle Division and the Iowa Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Division.

Key Facts

Median wage (Iowa): $58,070/yr (Source: BLS OEWS, 2025)
Employed in Iowa: 35,040 workers (Source: BLS OEWS, 2025)
Location quotient: 1.69x U.S. average (Source: BLS OEWS, 2025)
Projected growth: 4.0% (2024-2034) (Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024)
Licensing/credentialing body: Iowa Motor Vehicle Division and the Iowa Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Division (Source: State licensing agency, 2025)

Compare CDL Truck Driver Schools in Iowa

BOC Score, tuition, graduation rate, and median graduate earnings from federal IPEDS and U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard data. 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	Median grad earnings (all majors)	Graduation rate	Online	Distance
1	Northwood Technical College	66.6	Contact school for pricing	$49,705	54%	Yes*	225 mi
2	John Wood Community College	61.9	$5,700 - $15,845	$43,414	48%	Yes*	200 mi
3	Chippewa Valley Technical College	61.2	Contact school for pricing	$57,493	48%	Yes*	187 mi
4	Riverland Community College	59.3	Contact school for pricing	$49,768	53%	Yes*	88 mi
5	Sauk Valley Community College	59.1	Contact school for pricing	$54,209	50%	Yes*	193 mi
6	Illinois Valley Community College	58.3	$4,200 - $16,385	$48,989	43%	Yes*	228 mi
7	Western Iowa Tech Community College	57.6	Contact school for pricing	$47,713	44%	Yes*	157 mi
8	Spoon River College	56.1	Contact school for pricing	$35,368	42%	Yes*	211 mi
9	Southeast Community College Area	55.6	Contact school for pricing	$54,277	36%	Yes*	206 mi
10	Highland Community College	54.8	Contact school for pricing	$48,834	Not reported	Yes*	184 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.

Iowa employs approximately 35,040 CDL truck drivers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $58,070 ¹. The state’s concentration of cdl truck driver jobs is 1.69x 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 Iowa, 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: Iowa Motor Vehicle Division and the Iowa Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Division
Exam: state CDL skills test
Median wage (Iowa): $58,070 per year ¹

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

How to become a CDL Truck Driver in Iowa? Complete FMCSA ELDT, a DOT medical exam, a CLP, and a state-issued CDL. Training is measured in weeks, not years. Apply through Iowa Motor Vehicle Division and the Iowa Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Division.

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 Iowa Motor Vehicle Division and the Iowa Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Division.

Do I need a license in Iowa? Yes. Iowa credentials this role through Iowa Motor Vehicle Division and the Iowa Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Division ³. See the licensing section below.

What do CDL truck drivers earn in Iowa? The median annual wage for CDL truck drivers in Iowa is $58,070 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $42,390 and experienced professionals can earn $77,910 or more ¹.

How to Become a CDL Truck Driver in Iowa

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 Iowa

CDL truck drivers in Iowa 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 Iowa Motor Vehicle Division and the Iowa Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Division 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 Iowa Motor Vehicle Division and the Iowa Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Division before you enroll.

CDL Truck Driver Wages by Metro Area in Iowa

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

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

Metro Area	Employment	Median Annual Wage	Avg. Annual Wage	Entry Level (10th pctile)	Experienced (90th pctile)
Omaha	10,210	$58,010	$58,710	$40,150	$80,650
Des Moines-West Des Moines	7,840	$60,720	$63,480	$43,950	$79,240
Davenport-Moline-Rock Island	3,070	$58,280	$58,920	$40,620	$74,500
Cedar Rapids	3,030	$58,900	$61,120	$44,250	$77,550
Sioux City	2,820	$51,540	$55,120	$38,450	$79,320
Iowa City	2,360	$61,960	$77,940	$47,640	$126,110
Waterloo-Cedar Falls	1,600	$58,730	$58,800	$37,780	$79,220
Dubuque	1,310	$58,470	$58,690	$41,790	$76,530
Ames	640	$54,510	$55,770	$42,430	$69,200

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 Iowa? Iowa currently employs approximately 35,040 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 Iowa with an out-of-state license? Contact the Iowa Motor Vehicle Division and the Iowa Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Division for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.

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

How much do CDL truck drivers earn in Iowa compared to the national average? The median annual wage for CDL truck drivers in Iowa is $58,070, which is $630 above the national median of $57,440 according to BLS data ¹.

In Iowa

Best Trade Schools in Iowa (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/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Iowa Motor Vehicle Division and the Iowa Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Division - Licensing Information: https://www.iowadot.gov/#/services ↩︎ ↩︎

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)