CDL Truck Driver in Louisiana
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for LA
How to Become a CDL Truck Driver in Louisiana
To become a CDL Truck Driver in Louisiana, individuals must obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). Key steps include completing FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT), passing a general knowledge and skills test, and submitting an application with a fee. Applicants must be at least 18 years old for intrastate driving or 21 for interstate commerce and possess a valid DOT medical certificate. Louisiana offers reciprocity for CDLs from other states, but new residents must transfer their license within 30 days.
CDL Truck Driver Requirements in Louisiana
| Detail | Louisiana |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) |
| Exam | CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test ($15) |
| Application Fee | $62 |
| Renewal | Every 6.0 years |
| Notes | Applicants must be 18+ for intrastate or 21+ for interstate commerce. A valid DOT medical certificate is required. The application fee for the CLP is $15, and the knowledge test fee is $15 per attempt. Skills test fees are paid to third-party providers and typically range from $100-$300. Federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) is required for new applicants. A background check and fingerprinting are required for a Hazardous Materials endorsement. Louisiana no longer issues Non-Domiciled CLPs or CDLs. |
License Tiers
Louisiana 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 Louisiana
The median cdl truck driver salary in Louisiana is $48,770 per year, which is 15.1% below the national median of $57,440.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $34,600 |
| 25th | $41,320 |
| 50th (median) | $48,770 |
| 75th | $60,110 |
| 90th (experienced) | $71,540 |
Louisiana employs approximately 26,260 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 Louisiana Worth It?
Factors to consider: Louisiana's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.