CDL Truck Driver in Missouri
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MO
How to Become a CDL Truck Driver in Missouri
To become a CDL Truck Driver in Missouri, you must obtain your license through the Missouri Department of Revenue. Key steps include completing FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT), passing a general knowledge and skills test, and submitting an application with a valid DOT medical certificate. Applicants must be at least 18 for intrastate driving or 21 for interstate commerce or specific endorsements. Missouri has reciprocity agreements with Kansas and Nebraska for farm use CDL exemptions.
CDL Truck Driver Requirements in Missouri
| Detail | Missouri |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) |
| Exam | CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test ($25) |
| Application Fee | $83 |
| Renewal | Every 5.0 years |
| Notes | Applicants must be 18+ for intrastate or 21+ for interstate commerce, or to obtain a Hazardous Materials or School Bus endorsement. A valid DOT medical certificate is required. The application fee of approximately $83 includes a $25 skills test fee, a $40 3-6 year term license transaction fee, and an $18 office processing fee. Fees may differ based on the term of issuance and if additional knowledge testing is completed or credited fees are applied. Federal ELDT is required for new applicants. A Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) must be held for a minimum of 14 days before taking the skills test. The CLP is valid for 360 days and is non-renewable. Upon expiration, all required knowledge testing must be completed to obtain a new CLP. Missouri has reciprocity agreements with Kansas and Nebraska for farm use CDL exemptions. |
License Tiers
Missouri 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 Missouri
The median cdl truck driver salary in Missouri is $50,540 per year, which is 12.0% below the national median of $57,440.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $35,340 |
| 25th | $43,490 |
| 50th (median) | $50,540 |
| 75th | $62,880 |
| 90th (experienced) | $77,080 |
Missouri employs approximately 47,530 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 Missouri Worth It?
Factors to consider: Missouri's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.