Truck Driver Career Guide in North Dakota
Explore truck driver salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in North Dakota.
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How to Become a Truck Driver in North Dakota
North Dakota colleges provide Class A CDL training. The employer programs below recruit across multiple states and may train outside North Dakota; verify current recruitment by ZIP code. Knight provides paid on-road training after CDL school.
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 North Dakota
The salary figure shown on this page represents the North Dakota 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 North Dakota is approximately $3,470 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Truck Drivers in North Dakota
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 North Dakota
To become a tractor-trailer driver in North Dakota:
- Obtain a North Dakota commercial learner’s permit (CLP).
- Complete applicable FMCSA entry-level driver training (ELDT).
- Meet medical standards and pass the required CDL knowledge tests.
- Hold the CLP for at least 14 days before the road test.
- Pass the road test and obtain a Class A CDL; add endorsements when required.
Truck Driver Training Providers in North Dakota
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Bismarck State College / TrainND Southwest | Bismarck | View Program |
| TrainND Northwest at Williston State College | Williston | View Program |
| United Tribes Technical College | Bismarck | View Program |
| Turtle Mountain Community College | Belcourt | 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 North Dakota
Truck Driver Licensing Requirements in North Dakota
North Dakota requires a CDL for qualifying heavy commercial vehicles. Tractor-trailer drivers generally need a Class A CDL. Applicants must obtain a CLP, complete applicable ELDT, meet federal medical requirements, and pass the road test. The CLP must be held at least 14 days before the test.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSTruck Driver Job Outlook in North Dakota
Employment is projected to grow 7% from 2024 to 2034, with approximately 1,300 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 North Dakota?
The statewide median wage for truck drivers in North Dakota is approximately $60,910 per year, or $29.29 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does North Dakota require truck driver licensing?
Yes. North Dakota 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 North Dakota Department of Transportation, Driver License Division.
How long does it take to become a truck driver in North Dakota?
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 North Dakota?
North Dakota projects truck driver employment to grow by approximately 7% from 2024 to 2034, with about 1,300 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
- North Dakota Wages for Truck Driver (SOC 53-3032) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. North Dakota Truck Driver Wages
- North Dakota Truck Driver Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. North Dakota Truck Driver Employment Trends
- North Dakota Department of Transportation, Driver License Division — Licensing authority. North Dakota Department of Transportation, Driver License Division