Truck Driver Career Guide in Texas
Explore truck driver salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Texas.
Career Guide Navigation
How to Become a Truck Driver in Texas
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 Texas complete CDL training programs through truck driving schools, community colleges, or employer-sponsored training programs. Training includes vehicle operation, safety regulations, cargo handling, defensive driving, and preparation for 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 Texas
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Texas 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 Texas is approximately $4,370 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Truck Drivers in Texas
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 Texas
Texas applicants generally must obtain a Commercial Learner License, complete Entry-Level Driver Training when applicable, and pass the knowledge and skills examinations for the requested CDL class. The skills test must be completed in an appropriately equipped representative vehicle.
Applicants must meet Texas identity, residency, driving-record, medical self-certification, and eligibility requirements. Additional knowledge tests, federal training, and security screening may apply to endorsements such as hazardous materials, tank vehicles, doubles or triples, passenger, and school bus.
CDL Class A Training
Drivers learn commercial vehicle operation, safety procedures, and preparation for Texas CDL written and road tests.
Vehicle Operation Skills
Training includes tractor-trailer control, backing techniques, inspections, and highway driving skills.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations
Drivers learn FMCSA regulations, hours-of-service rules, and commercial transportation safety requirements.
Cargo Handling & Transportation
Training covers cargo securement, loading procedures, and safe transportation practices.
Specialized CDL Endorsements
Additional training may include HazMat, Tanker, Doubles/Triples, and other endorsements.
Truck Driver Training Providers in Texas
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Roadmaster Drivers School | San Antonio | View Program |
| Lone Star College CDL Training | Houston | View Program |
| Texas State Technical College | Waco | View Program |
| Austin Community College CDL Training | Austin | 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 Texas
Truck Driver Licensing Requirements in Texas
Texas truck drivers must obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Most professional truck driving jobs require a Class A CDL, and additional endorsements such as HazMat, Tanker, or Doubles/Triples may increase employment opportunities.
Texas requires drivers operating qualifying commercial motor vehicles to hold the appropriate Commercial Driver License. Tractor-trailer combinations generally require a Class A CDL, while qualifying heavy single vehicles generally require Class B. Class C and endorsements apply to certain passenger or hazardous-material vehicles.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSTruck Driver Job Outlook in Texas
Texas has one of the largest trucking industries in the United States due to its extensive highway network, major ports, energy sector, manufacturing activity, and rapidly growing logistics demand. Truck drivers continue to have strong employment opportunities across the state.
Texas projects employment of heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers to grow by approximately 14% from 2022 to 2032, from about 219,240 to 250,240 jobs. The state projects approximately 26,650 openings per year.
Annual openings include new positions and replacements. Port activity, energy production, construction, manufacturing, population growth, warehousing, and cross-border freight may influence demand.
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 Texas?
The statewide median wage for truck drivers in Texas is approximately $53,070 per year, or $25.51 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Texas require truck driver licensing?
Yes. Texas 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 Texas Department of Public Safety.
How long does it take to become a truck driver in Texas?
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 Texas?
Texas projects truck driver employment to grow by approximately 14% from 2022 to 2032, with about 26,650 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
- Texas Wages for Truck Driver (SOC 53-3032) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Texas Truck Driver Wages
- Texas Truck Driver Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Texas Truck Driver Employment Trends
- Texas Department of Public Safety — Licensing authority. Texas Department of Public Safety