CDL Truck Driver in Massachusetts
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MA
How to Become a CDL Truck Driver in Massachusetts
To become a CDL Truck Driver in Massachusetts, individuals must obtain a state license from the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). Key steps include completing FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT), passing a CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test, and submitting an application with the associated fees. Applicants must be at least 18 years old for intrastate driving or 21 for interstate commerce, and a valid DOT medical certificate and self-certification are mandatory. While Massachusetts converts out-of-state CDLs, HazMat endorsements are not transferable and require reapplication.
CDL Truck Driver Requirements in Massachusetts
| Detail | Massachusetts |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) |
| Exam | CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test ($35) |
| Application Fee | $75 |
| Renewal | Every 5.0 years |
| Notes | Applicants must be 18+ for intrastate or 21+ for interstate commerce. A valid DOT medical certificate is required, and drivers must self-certify their driving type (intrastate/interstate). Federal ELDT is required for new applicants for a Class A or B CDL, or for those adding P, S, or H endorsements. HazMat (H) endorsements require a TSA background check and a separate knowledge test, and are not transferable from other states. The CDL General Knowledge test requires an 80% passing score. The cost for a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) application is $30.00, and endorsement fees are $10.00 each if taken with the permit application or $30.00 if taken separately. |
License Tiers
Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts
The median cdl truck driver salary in Massachusetts is $60,630 per year, which is 5.6% above the national median of $57,440.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $44,640 |
| 25th | $49,150 |
| 50th (median) | $60,630 |
| 75th | $64,580 |
| 90th (experienced) | $75,220 |
Massachusetts employs approximately 32,170 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 Massachusetts Worth It?
Factors to consider: Massachusetts's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.