CDL Truck Driver in Utah

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

Median annual salary
$59,580
trending_up +3.7% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Utah.

engineering
24,280

Jobs (UT)

monitoring Stable
+4.0%

10-yr job growth

payments
$130

Licensing fees

schedule
4-6 weeks (license mailed)

Time to complete

route How to become a cdl truck driver in Utah

To become a CDL Truck Driver in Utah, you must obtain a Commercial Driver's License from the Utah Driver License Division. Key steps include completing FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT), passing a general knowledge and skills test, and submitting a medical examiner's certificate. The application fee for the CDL is $78, which includes the driving skills test and license issuance, while the written knowledge tests and Commercial Learner's Permit cost $52. Applicants must be at least 18 years old for intrastate driving and 21 for interstate commerce, and must have held a Class D license for at least one year. Utah has reciprocity agreements with Taiwan and the Republic of Korea for driver's licenses.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $41,360
25th percentile $49,650
50th (median) $59,580
75th percentile $65,090
90th (experienced) $77,270

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

checklist Utah requirements

Licensing bodyUtah Driver License Division
State license Required
EducationFMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
ExamCDL General Knowledge and Skills Test ($52)
Application fee$78
RenewalEvery 5.0 years
NotesApplicants must be at least 18 years old and have held a Class D license for one year. Those under 21 are restricted to intrastate operation and cannot apply for hazardous materials, passenger, or school bus endorsements. A valid DOT medical certificate is required. The $52 fee covers the written knowledge tests and the Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP). The $78 fee covers the driving skills test and CDL issuance. Skills test fees with third-party providers vary (e.g., $300). Federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) is required for new applicants, those upgrading a Class B to Class A CDL, or first-time applicants for S, P, or H endorsements. ELDT consists of theory and behind-the-wheel training. A CLP must be held for 14 days before taking the skills test. Endorsement tests cost an additional $9 each. Hazmat endorsements require a federal TSA and DOT background check every five years, costing $80-$110 and taking 30-90 days.

Source: Utah Driver License Division

workspace_premium Utah license tiers

Utah 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_circleUtah license required — clearer credential signal to employers
  • check_circleLow AI disruption risk
psychology
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Frequently asked questions

How do I become a cdl truck driver in Utah? expand_more
To become a cdl truck driver in Utah, 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 ($78 fee).
Does Utah require cdl truck driver licensure? expand_more
A state license is required in Utah. Utah Driver License Division handles cdl truck driver licensing — the CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test is part of the process.
What do cdl truck drivers earn in Utah? expand_more
In Utah, the median pay for cdl truck drivers comes to $59,580/year. — within a few percent of the $57,440 national figure. The range spans from $41,360 at the entry level to $77,270 for top earners.
How expensive is cdl truck driver licensing in Utah? expand_more
Between exam fee ($52) and application fee ($78), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.
How long does it take to become a cdl truck driver in Utah? expand_more
The typical timeline in Utah is 4-6 weeks (license mailed). This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

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