CDL Truck Driver vs Welder
Both are skilled trades with strong demand. Here's how CDL Truck Driver and Welder stack up on pay, licensing, and long-term prospects.
Salary
Salary Edge
CDL Truck Drivers earn $6,440 more per year at the median. That's roughly $537/month before taxes — a gap that compounds over a career but needs to be weighed against any difference in training time or upfront costs.
Top-Paying States
| State | CDL Truck Driver | Welder | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $64,890 | $75,140 | -10,250 |
| Hawaii | $59,320 | $76,970 | -17,650 |
| Wyoming | $60,270 | $66,070 | -5,800 |
| Washington | $63,760 | $61,730 | +2,030 |
| New Jersey | $64,720 | $59,630 | +5,090 |
| Connecticut | $58,700 | $64,520 | -5,820 |
| Massachusetts | $60,630 | $61,710 | -1,080 |
| District of Columbia | $63,610 | $58,700 | +4,910 |
| Nevada | $60,900 | $59,370 | +1,530 |
| Minnesota | $61,090 | $58,730 | +2,360 |
Requirements at a Glance
| Factor | CDL Truck Driver | Welder |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Time | 3-8 weeks | Not specified |
| Est. Total Cost | — | $50 |
| Exam | CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test | AWS Welding Certification Test |
| License Required | Most states | Some states |
| Education | FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) | No formal education is required, but vocational training or an apprenticeship is recommended. Welders must pass a performance qualification test. |
| CE Hours/Cycle | — | 80 hrs |
Barrier to Entry
Timeline differs: CDL Truck Driver typically takes 3-8 weeks, while Welder takes Not specified. CDL Truck Driver licensing is more universal — required in 100% of states versus 16% for Welder.
Job Market
Market Outlook
Growth projections are similar — CDL Truck Driver at +4.0% and Welder at +2.2%. CDL Truck Driver has significantly more annual openings (237.6 vs 45.6), which means more geographic flexibility when job hunting.
Bottom Line
CDL Truck Driver pays $6,440/year more at the national median. Over a 10-year career, that gap adds up to roughly $64,400 in gross earnings — though CDL Truck Driver may require more training upfront.
Training timelines differ: CDL Truck Driver takes 3-8 weeks while Welder takes Not specified. If you need to start earning quickly, the shorter path has a real advantage regardless of the salary difference.