Truck Driver Career Guide in Georgia
Explore truck driver salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Georgia.
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How to Become a Truck Driver in Georgia
Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers typically complete a commercial driving program or employer-sponsored training before obtaining the CDL class and endorsements required for the vehicle and cargo. Training commonly covers vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control, shifting, backing, coupling and uncoupling, defensive driving, hours-of-service rules, cargo securement, trip planning, electronic logging devices, and roadside safety.
Drivers subject to the federal Entry-Level Driver Training rule must complete training with a provider listed in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry before taking the applicable CDL skills or endorsement test. Drivers must also meet state testing, medical self-certification, driving-record, and employer requirements.
Most truck drivers in Georgia complete CDL training programs through truck driving schools, technical colleges, or employer-sponsored training programs. Training includes commercial vehicle operation, defensive driving, vehicle inspections, cargo securement, FMCSA regulations, and preparation for Georgia CDL written and road tests.
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 Georgia
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Georgia 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 Georgia is approximately $870 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Truck Drivers in Georgia
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 Georgia
Georgia applicants generally obtain a Commercial Learner Permit, complete required Entry-Level Driver Training, and pass the knowledge and skills examinations for the applicable CDL class. Separate testing and federal requirements apply to endorsements such as hazardous materials, passenger, school bus, tank vehicle, and doubles or triples.
Applicants must also satisfy Georgia identification, residency, medical self-certification, driving-record, and eligibility requirements. The vehicle used for the skills test may affect the restrictions placed on the CDL.
Class A CDL Training
Drivers learn tractor-trailer operation, commercial vehicle safety, and preparation for Georgia CDL written and road tests.
Vehicle Inspection Skills
Training includes pre-trip inspections, safety checks, and identifying mechanical issues before operating commercial vehicles.
FMCSA Safety Regulations
Drivers learn federal transportation regulations, hours-of-service requirements, and commercial driving safety standards.
Cargo Handling & Securement
Training covers loading procedures, cargo securement, and safe transportation practices for different freight types.
CDL Endorsements
Additional training may include HazMat, Tanker, Doubles/Triples, and other specialized commercial driving endorsements.
Truck Driver Training Providers in Georgia
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Technical College CDL Program | Atlanta | View Program |
| Georgia Piedmont Technical College CDL Program | Clarkston | View Program |
| Savannah Technical College CDL Program | Savannah | View Program |
| Southern Crescent Technical College CDL Program | Griffin | View Program |
| Roadmaster Drivers School | Atlanta Area | 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 Georgia
Truck Driver Licensing Requirements in Georgia
Georgia truck drivers must obtain a Commercial Driver License (CDL) issued by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). Most professional trucking positions require a Class A CDL, while endorsements such as HazMat, Tanker, and Doubles/Triples can increase job opportunities and earning potential.
Georgia requires drivers operating qualifying commercial vehicles or buses to hold the appropriate Commercial Driver License. Tractor-trailer drivers generally need a Class A CDL. A Class B or Class C CDL may apply to other qualifying commercial vehicles, depending on vehicle weight, passenger capacity, and cargo.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSTruck Driver Job Outlook in Georgia
Georgia has strong demand for truck drivers due to its major transportation hub in Atlanta, Port of Savannah, manufacturing industry, logistics networks, and growing distribution centers. The state's strategic location in the Southeast continues to support commercial driving opportunities.
Georgia projects employment of heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers to grow by approximately 11% from 2022 to 2032, from about 77,490 to 86,240 jobs. The state projects approximately 9,090 openings per year.
Annual openings include new jobs and replacement needs. Port activity, logistics hubs, warehousing, manufacturing, construction, and population growth may affect demand across Georgia.
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 Georgia?
The statewide median wage for truck drivers in Georgia is approximately $56,570 per year, or $27.20 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Georgia require truck driver licensing?
Yes. Georgia 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 Georgia Department of Driver Services.
How long does it take to become a truck driver in Georgia?
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 Georgia?
Georgia projects truck driver employment to grow by approximately 11% from 2022 to 2032, with about 9,090 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
- Georgia Wages for Truck Driver (SOC 53-3032) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Georgia Truck Driver Wages
- Georgia Truck Driver Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Georgia Truck Driver Employment Trends
- Georgia Department of Driver Services — Licensing authority. Georgia Department of Driver Services