How to Become A CDL Truck Driver in Iowa
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 requirements, training programs, and salary data.
Quick Answers About Becoming A CDL Truck Driver in Iowa
How do I become a cdl truck driver in Iowa? Iowa requires credentials such as Commercial Drivers License (CDL). The licensing authority is the Iowa Motor Vehicle Division and the Iowa Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Division 3. You also need to complete an approved training program or apprenticeship.
How long does it take? Most paths take 1 to 5 years depending on whether you choose trade school, an apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
Do I need a license in Iowa? Yes. Iowa has licensing or registration requirements for cdl truck drivers. The Iowa Motor Vehicle Division and the Iowa Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Division oversees licensing 3. See the licensing section below for details.
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.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Licensing authority: Iowa Motor Vehicle Division and the Iowa Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Division
- Median wage (Iowa): $58,070 per year 1
- Exam requirement: State exam required
CDL Truck Driver License Requirements in Iowa
The Iowa Motor Vehicle Division and the Iowa Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Division oversees cdl truck driver licensing in Iowa 3.
License Types
| License | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Commercial Drivers License (CDL) | Commercial Drivers Licenses are issued by state departments but are similar from state to state, since the minimum requirements of the licenses and endorsements are set centrally. |
Additional Requirements
- Background check: No criminal record prohibitions
- Exam: State exam required
- Experience: No experience required
License information sourced from CareerOneStop 4.
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 (2025 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 2025.
Top Metros for Cdl truck drivers in Iowa
The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest cdl truck driver employment within Iowa according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines-West Des Moines | 7,840 | $60,720 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island | 3,070 | $58,280 |
| Cedar Rapids | 3,030 | $58,900 |
| Sioux City | 2,820 | $51,540 |
| Iowa City | 2,360 | $61,960 |
Explore cdl truck driver programs in Des Moines, Davenport, and Cedar Rapids.
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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 apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited 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.
Citations
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 ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
CareerOneStop - Licensed Occupations: https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Training/find-licenses.aspx ↩︎
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade career guide using BLS, DOL, and state licensing data. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.