CDL Truck Driver in Oregon
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for OR
How to Become a CDL Truck Driver in Oregon
To become a CDL Truck Driver in Oregon, you must obtain a state license from the Oregon Driver & Motor Vehicle Services (DMV). Key steps include completing FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT), passing a general knowledge and skills test, and submitting an application with the required fees. Applicants must be at least 18 years old for intrastate driving or 21 for interstate, and a valid DOT medical certificate is mandatory. Oregon offers reciprocity for CDLs from other U.S. states and Washington D.C., waiving most knowledge tests, but no longer allows direct transfers from Mexico or Canada without testing.
CDL Truck Driver Requirements in Oregon
| Detail | Oregon |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Oregon Driver & Motor Vehicle Services (DMV) |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) |
| Exam | CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test ($145) |
| Application Fee | $160 |
| Renewal | Every 8.0 years |
| Notes | Applicants must be 18+ for intrastate or 21+ for interstate commerce. A valid DOT medical certificate is required. Federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) is required for new applicants. A Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) must be held for at least 14 days before taking the skills test. The CDL knowledge test costs $10.00. The CLP fee is $40.00. Endorsements cost $26 each. Oregon no longer allows CDL transfers from Mexico or Canada without testing as of March 16, 2026. |
License Tiers
Oregon 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 Oregon
The median cdl truck driver salary in Oregon is $61,180 per year, which is 6.5% above the national median of $57,440.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $47,620 |
| 25th | $52,520 |
| 50th (median) | $61,180 |
| 75th | $71,830 |
| 90th (experienced) | $82,680 |
Oregon employs approximately 24,720 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 Oregon Worth It?
Factors to consider: Oregon's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.