CDL Truck Driver in Maryland
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MD
How to Become a CDL Truck Driver in Maryland
To become a CDL Truck Driver in Maryland, individuals must obtain a Commercial Driver's License from the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). Key steps include completing FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) for new applicants, passing knowledge and skills tests, and submitting an application with a valid DOT medical certificate. Applicants must be at least 18 for intrastate driving or 21 for interstate commerce, and while Maryland accepts skills tests from other states for its permit holders, out-of-state learner's permits cannot be exchanged for a Maryland one. The initial application fee for a CDL is approximately $250, with additional costs for the learner's permit and varying fees for skills tests paid to third-party providers.
CDL Truck Driver Requirements in Maryland
| Detail | Maryland |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) |
| Exam | CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test |
| Application Fee | $250 |
| Renewal | Every 5.0 years |
| Notes | Applicants must be 18+ for intrastate or 21+ for interstate commerce. A valid DOT medical certificate is required. The CDL learner's permit costs $90. Skills test fees are paid to third-party providers and vary. Federal ELDT is required for new applicants for Class A or B CDL, those upgrading from Class B to Class A, or those adding S, P, or H endorsements. Hazmat endorsement requires a federal fingerprint/background check and a TSA processing fee of $86.00. Out-of-state learner's permits cannot be exchanged for a Maryland learner's permit or license. Maryland accepts skills tests from other states for Maryland CDL permit holders. |
License Tiers
Maryland 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 Maryland
The median cdl truck driver salary in Maryland is $57,180 per year, which is 0.5% below the national median of $57,440.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $40,520 |
| 25th | $48,250 |
| 50th (median) | $57,180 |
| 75th | $64,830 |
| 90th (experienced) | $77,340 |
Maryland employs approximately 23,910 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 Maryland Worth It?
Factors to consider: Maryland's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.