CDL Truck Driver in New York

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

Median annual salary

$60,520

trending_up +5.4% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, New York.

engineering

61,410

Jobs (NY)

monitoring Stable

+4.0%

10-yr job growth

payments

$50

Licensing fees

schedule

Varies (permit valid for 1 year)

Time to complete

route How to become a cdl truck driver in New York

To become a CDL Truck Driver in New York, individuals must obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) by passing a written knowledge test. After holding the CLP for at least 14 days and completing FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT), applicants can take and pass the CDL skills test. New York offers reciprocity, allowing drivers with out-of-state CDLs to exchange them for a New York CDL within 30 days of residency, though a HazMat endorsement requires re-testing and a background check.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $46,020

25th percentile $51,570

50th (median) $60,520

75th percentile $73,730

90th (experienced) $90,150

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

checklist New York requirements

Licensing body	New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
State license	Required
Education	FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Exam	CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test ($40)
Application fee	$10
Renewal	Every 8.0 years
Notes	Applicants must be 18+ for intrastate or 21+ for interstate commerce or to transport hazardous materials. A valid DOT medical certificate is required. Federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) is required for new applicants for a Class A or B CDL, or for a Hazmat, Passenger, or School Bus endorsement. The CDL permit is valid for one year. Fees are approximate and can vary by county due to Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District (MCTD) fees. A background check is required for a Hazardous Materials (HazMat) endorsement.

Source: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

workspace_premium New York license tiers

New York 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_circleNew York license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

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

See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.

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Frequently asked questions

What's required to work as a cdl truck driver in New York? expand_more

To become a cdl truck driver in New York, you need to complete the required education (FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)), pass the CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test, and submit your application ($10 fee).

Is a cdl truck driver license required in New York? expand_more

Yes, New York requires a state license to practice as a cdl truck driver. The licensing body is New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You must pass the CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test.

How much do cdl truck drivers make in New York? expand_more

The median cdl truck driver salary in New York is $60,520 per year. That's 5% above the national median of $57,440. The range spans from $46,020 at the entry level to $90,150 for top earners.

How expensive is cdl truck driver licensing in New York? expand_more

Between exam fee ($40) and application fee ($10), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.

How quickly can I become a cdl truck driver in New York? expand_more

Most candidates in New York complete the process in Varies (permit valid for 1 year), from enrollment in a training program through licensure.