CDL Truck Driver in Washington
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for WA
How to Become a CDL Truck Driver in Washington
To become a CDL Truck Driver in Washington, you must obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) through the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL). This involves completing FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from a Washington State registered training provider, passing a knowledge test to obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP), and then passing a skills test. Applicants must be at least 18 years old for intrastate driving or 21 for interstate commerce, and a valid DOT medical certificate is required. Washington allows the transfer of valid out-of-state CDLs, but a CLP cannot be transferred.
CDL Truck Driver Requirements in Washington
| Detail | Washington |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from a Washington State registered training provider. Specific hour requirements vary by CDL class: Class A requires 160 hours; Class B and C require 80 hours. |
| Exam | CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test ($210) |
| Application Fee | $102 |
| Renewal | Every 8.0 years |
| Notes | Applicants must be 18+ for intrastate driving or 21+ for interstate commerce, transporting hazardous materials, or operating certain specialized commercial vehicles. A valid DOT medical certificate is required. Fees are approximate: $40 for CLP, $35 for knowledge test, $175 for skills test, and $102 for the CDL license. Skills test fees are paid to third-party providers and may vary. Federal ELDT is required for new applicants, and Washington has its own specific training hour requirements that must be completed through a state-registered provider. CDLs with a hazardous materials endorsement must be renewed every five years or less. |
License Tiers
Washington 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 Washington
The median cdl truck driver salary in Washington is $63,760 per year, which is 11.0% above the national median of $57,440.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $48,420 |
| 25th | $58,390 |
| 50th (median) | $63,760 |
| 75th | $75,330 |
| 90th (experienced) | $88,710 |
Washington employs approximately 40,700 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 Washington Worth It?
Factors to consider: Washington's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.