CDL Truck Driver vs HVAC Technician
One pays more, the other gets you working sooner. Side-by-side data on CDL Truck Driver vs HVAC Technician salary, timeline, and ROI.
Salary
Salary Edge
Pay is nearly identical — CDL Truck Drivers earn a national median of $57,440 while hvac technicians earn $59,810. The gap is small enough that state and employer differences matter more than the career choice itself.
Top-Paying States
| State | CDL Truck Driver | HVAC Technician | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $64,890 | $83,660 | -18,770 |
| District of Columbia | $63,610 | $83,390 | -19,780 |
| Massachusetts | $60,630 | $76,990 | -16,360 |
| New Jersey | $64,720 | $69,800 | -5,080 |
| Minnesota | $61,090 | $73,390 | -12,300 |
| Connecticut | $58,700 | $73,910 | -15,210 |
| Illinois | $59,790 | $71,620 | -11,830 |
| Washington | $63,760 | $67,630 | -3,870 |
| New York | $60,520 | $66,670 | -6,150 |
| North Dakota | $58,970 | $66,770 | -7,800 |
Requirements at a Glance
| Factor | CDL Truck Driver | HVAC Technician |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Time | 3-8 weeks | Varies |
| Est. Total Cost | — | — |
| Exam | CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test | Master HVACR Exam (or Master HVACR Restricted Exam) |
| License Required | Most states | Many states |
| Education | FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) | High school diploma or equivalent. |
| CE Hours/Cycle | — | 8 hrs |
Barrier to Entry
Timeline differs: CDL Truck Driver typically takes 3-8 weeks, while HVAC Technician takes Varies. CDL Truck Driver licensing is more universal — required in 100% of states versus 67% for HVAC Technician.
Job Market
Market Outlook
HVAC Technician is projected to grow faster (+8.1% vs +4.0% over the next decade). CDL Truck Driver has significantly more annual openings (237.6 vs 40.1), which means more geographic flexibility when job hunting. CDL Truck Driver carries lower AI automation risk, which matters for long-term career stability.
Bottom Line
CDL Truck Driver and HVAC Technician land in the same salary neighborhood. Choosing between them comes down to what kind of work you actually want to do day-to-day, not which one pays better.
Training timelines differ: CDL Truck Driver takes 3-8 weeks while HVAC Technician takes Varies. If you need to start earning quickly, the shorter path has a real advantage regardless of the salary difference.