CDL Truck Driver in Montana

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MT. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$59,060

trending_up +2.8% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Montana.

engineering

7,050

Jobs (MT)

monitoring Stable

+4.0%

10-yr job growth

payments

$60

Licensing fees

schedule

3-8 weeks

Time to complete

route How to become a cdl truck driver in Montana

To become a CDL Truck Driver in Montana, applicants must obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) from the Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) within the Department of Justice, pass required knowledge tests, and complete FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT). After holding the CLP for at least 14 days, individuals must pass a CDL skills test, which includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and a road test. A valid DOT medical certificate is mandatory, and applicants must be at least 18 for intrastate driving or 21 for interstate driving. Montana also has reciprocity agreements with neighboring states for farm vehicle drivers.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $45,450

25th percentile $50,440

50th (median) $59,060

75th percentile $63,510

90th (experienced) $73,700

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Montana. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Montana requirements

Licensing body	Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) within the Department of Justice
State license	Required
Education	FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Exam	CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test ($10)
Application fee	$50
Renewal	Every 8.0 years
Notes	Applicants must be 18+ for intrastate commerce or 21+ for interstate commerce. A valid DOT medical certificate from an FMCSA-certified medical examiner is required. The Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) application fee is $10.30, and knowledge tests are $3 per attempt. Skills test fees vary, with the Montana DMV charging $10 and third-party providers charging up to $250. Endorsements cost an additional $10 each. Federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) is required for new applicants.

Source: Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) within the Department of Justice

workspace_premium Montana license tiers

Montana offers multiple tiers of cdl truck driver licensing:

Tier	Hours required
Class A	N/A
Class B	N/A
Class C	N/A

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+4.0%

Average

Annual openings

237,600

Nationwide per year

Total employment

2,235,100

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -1.15/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleMontana license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if a cdl truck driver career is the right fit?

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Frequently asked questions

What are the steps to becoming a cdl truck driver in Montana? expand_more

In Montana, becoming a cdl truck driver requires you to complete the required education (FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)), pass the CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test, and submit your application ($50 fee).

Is a cdl truck driver license required in Montana? expand_more

A state license is required in Montana. Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) within the Department of Justice handles cdl truck driver licensing — the CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test is part of the process.

What do cdl truck drivers earn in Montana? expand_more

The median cdl truck driver salary in Montana is $59,060 per year. That's roughly in line with the $57,440 national median. New cdl truck drivers start around $45,450; seasoned professionals can reach $73,700.

How much does it cost to become a cdl truck driver in Montana? expand_more

Costs include exam fee ($10) and application fee ($50). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.

What's the timeline to become a cdl truck driver in Montana? expand_more

In Montana, becoming a cdl truck driver generally takes 3-8 weeks, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.