CDL Truck Driver in Wisconsin
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for WI
How to Become a CDL Truck Driver in Wisconsin
To become a CDL Truck Driver in Wisconsin, applicants must obtain a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP), complete FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT), and pass a series of knowledge and skills tests. The licensing body is the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT). New applicants must be at least 18 for intrastate driving or 21 for interstate driving, and a valid DOT medical certificate is mandatory. While Wisconsin has reciprocity agreements for regular driver's licenses with some countries, commercial drivers transferring from another state must obtain a Wisconsin CDL within 30 days.
CDL Truck Driver Requirements in Wisconsin
| Detail | Wisconsin |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) |
| Exam | CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test ($150) |
| Application Fee | $74 |
| Renewal | Every 8.0 years |
| Notes | Applicants must be 18+ for intrastate or 21+ for interstate commerce. A valid DOT medical certificate is required. Fees are approximate: $30 for CLP, $74 for license. Skills test fees are paid to third-party providers and total $150 for the full exam. Federal ELDT is required for new applicants, those upgrading their CDL, or adding a hazardous materials, passenger, or school bus endorsement. A background check is required for a hazardous materials endorsement. Wisconsin has reciprocity agreements for regular driver's licenses with France, Germany, the Republic of Korea, and Taiwan, but commercial drivers are required to transfer their CDL within 30 days of moving between states by federal law. |
License Tiers
Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin
The median cdl truck driver salary in Wisconsin is $57,380 per year, which is 0.1% below the national median of $57,440.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $40,650 |
| 25th | $48,530 |
| 50th (median) | $57,380 |
| 75th | $62,800 |
| 90th (experienced) | $74,580 |
Wisconsin employs approximately 52,980 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 Wisconsin Worth It?
Factors to consider: Wisconsin's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.