Truck Driver Career Guide in Alaska
Explore truck driver salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Alaska.
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How to Become a Truck Driver in Alaska
Alaska offers Class A CDL school training and employer-linked driver apprenticeships. The listed Teamsters programs have separate construction and freight pathways. Application periods vary. Lynden’s Dock to Driver and Alaska West Express’s Yard to Driver are distinct employer pathways.
Note: Training pathways vary by employer, program sponsor, and licensing category. Classroom education may provide useful technical preparation, but it does not automatically replace supervised work experience unless the applicable licensing authority specifically allows that credit.
Truck Driver Salary in Alaska
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Alaska median wage for truck driver workers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data. A median wage is the point at which half of workers earn more and half earn less. It is not a guaranteed starting salary.
Actual earnings may vary by experience, license level, metropolitan area, employer, industry, overtime, and union agreement.
Compared with the national median of $57,440, the median wage in Alaska is approximately $12,660 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Truck Drivers in Alaska
Note: Licensing rules, fees, examinations, exemptions, and renewal requirements may change. Applicants should verify current requirements directly with the authority listed above before beginning work, applying for an examination, or enrolling in a training program.
CAREER PREPARATIONTruck Driver Training Requirements in Alaska
To become a tractor-trailer driver in Alaska:
- Obtain an Alaska commercial learner’s permit (CLP) for the appropriate license class.
- Complete FMCSA-required entry-level driver training (ELDT) when applicable.
- Meet medical qualifications and pass the required knowledge and skills tests.
- Hold the CLP for at least 14 days before the CDL skills test.
- Obtain a Class A CDL and any endorsements required for the vehicle or cargo.
Truck Driver Training Providers in Alaska
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Industrial Training | Palmer | View Program |
| Kenai Peninsula Driving Instruction | Kenai | View Program |
| Alaska Driving Academy | Soldotna | View Program |
| AKA Hauling Commercial Driving School | Anchorage | View Program |
Note: Program availability, admission requirements, tuition, and credit toward licensing requirements may change. Verify current details directly with the provider and the applicable state licensing authority before enrolling. Listings are informational and do not constitute rankings or endorsements.
PAID TRAINING OPPORTUNITIESTruck Driver Apprenticeship Programs in Alaska
Construction Truck Driver Apprenticeship
Organization: Alaska Teamster-Employer Service Training Trust
Freight Transport Driver Apprenticeship
Organization: Alaska Teamster-Employer Service Training Trust
Truck Driver Licensing Requirements in Alaska
A Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL) is generally required to operate a qualifying tractor-trailer in Alaska. Applicants must obtain a commercial learner’s permit (CLP), complete applicable entry-level driver training (ELDT), meet medical requirements, and pass knowledge and skills tests. The CLP must be held for at least 14 days before the skills test. Interstate drivers must be at least 21; qualifying intrastate drivers may be licensed at 18.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSTruck Driver Job Outlook in Alaska
Employment is projected to decrease 4% from 2024 to 2034, with approximately 280 annual openings. Openings include replacement needs.
Note: State employment projections may use a different base period from national BLS projections. Projected growth is an estimate rather than a guarantee of employment, and local demand may vary by metropolitan area, industry, construction activity, and employer investment.
CAREER QUESTIONSFrequently Asked Questions
What is the truck driver salary in Alaska?
The statewide median wage for truck drivers in Alaska is approximately $70,100 per year, or $33.70 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Alaska require truck driver licensing?
Yes. Alaska requires individuals performing regulated, non-exempt truck driver work to hold the appropriate license or credential. Applicants should verify the current license category, experience, examination, and renewal requirements with Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles.
How long does it take to become a truck driver in Alaska?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately 3–6 Months + OJT, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.
Are truck drivers in demand in Alaska?
Alaska projects truck driver employment to decline by approximately 4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 280 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
Career Data Sources
State wage, employment outlook, and licensing information is reviewed using government and official regulatory sources. Data and requirements may change after publication.
- May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
- Alaska Wages for Truck Driver (SOC 53-3032) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Alaska Truck Driver Wages
- Alaska Truck Driver Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Alaska Truck Driver Employment Trends
- Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles — Licensing authority. Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles