How to Become a CDL Truck Driver in Washington (2026)
Washington employs about 40,530 CDL truck drivers earning a median $64,760 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 Department of Licensing.
Compare CDL Truck Driver Schools in Washington
| # | School | BOC Score (0–100) | Tuition | Median grad earnings (all majors) | Graduation rate | Online | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Grays Harbor College | 71.6 | $5,593 - $15,708 | $46,936 | 35% | Yes* | 125 mi |
| 2 | Walla Walla Community College | 70.4 | Contact school for pricing | $56,719 | 43% | Yes* | 153 mi |
| 3 | Spokane Community College | 68.4 | Contact school for pricing | $52,567 | 35% | Yes* | 183 mi |
| 4 | Big Bend Community College | 66.7 | Contact school for pricing | $48,868 | 39% | Yes* | 89 mi |
| 5 | Lower Columbia College | 66.5 | $4,626 - $16,169 | $52,301 | 24% | Yes* | 106 mi |
| 6 | Perry Technical Institute | 65.3 | Contact school for pricing | $63,923 | 78% | — | 45 mi |
| 7 | Bates Technical College | 65.2 | $6,027 - $18,837 | Not reported | 43% | Yes* | 62 mi |
| 8 | Columbia Basin College | 61.3 | $6,555 - $18,261 | $67,608 | 30% | — | 112 mi |
| 9 | Peninsula College | 58.8 | Contact school for pricing | $44,056 | 39% | Yes* | 127 mi |
| 10 | Centralia College | 56.5 | Contact school for pricing | $52,981 | 44% | — | 88 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.
Washington employs approximately 40,530 CDL truck drivers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $64,760 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 Washington, 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: Department of Licensing
- Exam: state CDL skills test
- Median wage (Washington): $64,760 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a CDL Truck Driver in Washington
How to become a CDL Truck Driver in Washington? Complete FMCSA ELDT, a DOT medical exam, a CLP, and a state-issued CDL. Training is measured in weeks, not years. Apply through Department of Licensing.
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 Department of Licensing.
Do I need a license in Washington? Yes. Washington credentials this role through Department of Licensing 3. See the licensing section below.
What do CDL truck drivers earn in Washington? The median annual wage for CDL truck drivers in Washington is $64,760 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $50,010 and experienced professionals can earn $87,500 or more 1.
How to Become a CDL Truck Driver in Washington
- 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 Washington
CDL truck drivers in Washington 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 Department of Licensing 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 Department of Licensing before you enroll.
CDL Truck Driver Wages by Metro Area in Washington
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Wages by Metro Area in Washington
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers wages in Washington vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue | 21,230 | $71,240 | $71,980 | $55,980 | $93,810 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria | 20,430 | $59,820 | $62,330 | $44,870 | $82,540 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro | 14,370 | $63,800 | $66,890 | $49,090 | $85,590 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley | 3,890 | $62,980 | $63,480 | $48,300 | $77,020 |
| Kennewick-Richland | 2,100 | $62,520 | $66,300 | $48,430 | $87,910 |
| Yakima | 1,580 | $57,210 | $57,800 | $39,330 | $73,690 |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater | 1,210 | $63,040 | $64,440 | $47,070 | $81,930 |
| Bellingham | 1,200 | $61,890 | $64,520 | $48,420 | $78,180 |
| Longview-Kelso | 770 | $62,930 | $66,310 | $49,500 | $84,920 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes | 670 | $62,240 | $65,910 | $49,400 | $83,310 |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee | 530 | $58,070 | $62,440 | $47,150 | $80,900 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard | 430 | $62,710 | $66,120 | $50,980 | $77,950 |
| Lewiston | 390 | $58,830 | $59,000 | $44,030 | $76,770 |
| Walla Walla | 270 | $60,300 | $59,520 | $47,060 | $72,490 |
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 Washington? Washington currently employs approximately 40,530 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 Washington with an out-of-state license? Contact the Department of Licensing for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in Washington? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and state-approved training programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in Washington.
How much do CDL truck drivers earn in Washington compared to the national average? The median annual wage for CDL truck drivers in Washington is $64,760, which is $7,320 above the national median of $57,440 according to BLS data 1.
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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/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Department of Licensing - Licensing Information: https://dol.wa.gov/about/contact-us/business-and-professional-licensing-contact-information ↩︎ ↩︎
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) |