Truck Driver Career Guide in Maryland
Explore truck driver salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Maryland.
Career Guide Navigation
How to Become a Truck Driver in Maryland
Maryland community colleges offer Class A CDL training. The employer pathways below serve multiple states; check current Maryland recruitment and training location. Prime’s pre-CDL living allowance is a loan, while Knight’s paid training is for new CDL holders.
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 Maryland
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Maryland 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 Maryland is approximately $1,920 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Truck Drivers in Maryland
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 Maryland
To become a tractor-trailer driver in Maryland:
- Obtain a Maryland commercial learner’s permit (CLP).
- Complete applicable entry-level driver training (ELDT) with an FMCSA-registered provider.
- Meet medical and vision standards and pass CDL knowledge and skills tests.
- Obtain a Class A CDL for qualifying tractor-trailer combinations.
- Add endorsements when the cargo or vehicle requires them.
Truck Driver Training Providers in Maryland
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Hagerstown Community College | Hagerstown | View Program |
| Community College of Baltimore County | Catonsville | View Program |
| Cecil College | North East | View Program |
| Howard Community College | Columbia | 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 Maryland
Truck Driver Licensing Requirements in Maryland
Maryland requires a CDL for qualifying heavy commercial vehicles. Class A applies to tractor-trailer combinations. Applicants must begin with a Maryland CLP, meet age and medical requirements, complete applicable ELDT, and pass knowledge and skills tests. Drivers must be at least 21 for interstate operation.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSTruck Driver Job Outlook in Maryland
Employment is projected to grow 7% from 2024 to 2034, with approximately 3,480 annual openings.
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 Maryland?
The statewide median wage for truck drivers in Maryland is approximately $59,360 per year, or $28.54 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Maryland require truck driver licensing?
Yes. Maryland 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 Maryland Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Administration.
How long does it take to become a truck driver in Maryland?
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 Maryland?
Maryland projects truck driver employment to grow by approximately 7% from 2024 to 2034, with about 3,480 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
- Maryland Wages for Truck Driver (SOC 53-3032) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Maryland Truck Driver Wages
- Maryland Truck Driver Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Maryland Truck Driver Employment Trends
- Maryland Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Administration — Licensing authority. Maryland Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Administration