CDL Truck Driver in Iowa
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for IA
How to Become a CDL Truck Driver in Iowa
To become a CDL Truck Driver in Iowa, applicants must obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) from the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT), hold it for at least 14 days, and complete FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT). Subsequently, individuals must pass a CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test. A valid DOT medical certificate is also a mandatory requirement, and reciprocity is generally offered for out-of-state CDLs, though a hazmat endorsement necessitates retesting.
CDL Truck Driver Requirements in Iowa
| Detail | Iowa |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) |
| Exam | CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test ($75) |
| Application Fee | $64 |
| Renewal | Every 8.0 years |
| Notes | Applicants must be 18+ for intrastate or 21+ for interstate commerce. A valid DOT medical certificate is required. Fees are approximate: $12 for CLP, $8/year for license ($64 for 8 years). Skills test fees are paid to the Iowa DOT or counties ($25 per section, total $75) or third-party providers (vary, $100-$200). Federal ELDT is required for new applicants and those upgrading or adding certain endorsements. Hazmat endorsement requires a knowledge test at each renewal and a TSA background check. |
License Tiers
Iowa offers multiple tiers of cdl truck driver licensing:
| Tier | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| Class A | N/A |
| Class B | N/A |
| Class C | N/A |
CDL Truck Driver Salary in Iowa
The median cdl truck driver salary in Iowa is $55,080 per year, which is 4.1% below the national median of $57,440.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $38,570 |
| 25th | $47,100 |
| 50th (median) | $55,080 |
| 75th | $63,180 |
| 90th (experienced) | $79,290 |
Iowa employs approximately 37,430 cdl truck drivers.
CDL Truck Driver Job Outlook
AI Impact on CDL Truck Drivers
Low AI Exposure (Score: -1.15/1.00)
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
Is Becoming a CDL Truck Driver in Iowa Worth It?
Factors to consider: Iowa's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.