CDL Schools in Colorado (Top Programs Listed)

CDL Schools in Colorado

There are many people starting a new career as a truck driver in Colorado.

Read on to find out more details about the process if you also considered such a career.

See If You’re Qualified

Being a truck driver means meeting certain criteria.

First, you’ll need a Class A, B or C driving license, and even some endorsements.

To get such a license, you’ll have to enroll in a driving school, and we’ll talk more about that later, and then pass the driving exam.

You’ll also have to generally be over the age of 21, with 18 being accepted in some cases, however, a younger driver will have some limitations imposed when driving.

You’ll also need a clean driving record, have a driving license for at least 1 year, pass a background check and a drug test in some cases.

Providing your Social Security Number is also required in Colorado, or at least to be able to prove you have permission to work in the USA.

Getting Your License

First, you’ll have to decide which class license to get.

Class A

  • Covers all the classes below
  • It’s for combination vehicles heavier than 26,000 pounds
  • You can tow a trailer of over 10,000 pounds

Class B

  • Covers all the classes below it
  • It’s for single vehicles heavier than 26,000 pounds
  • You can tow a trailer of under 10,000 pounds

Class C

  • Covers all the class below
  • It’s for single combination vehicles that don’t belong in the above classes
  • You can drive buses for over 16 people OR transport Hazardous Materials

The next class is D, which you probably already have since it covers personal vehicles.

Finding a school is relatively easy, as Colorado has many options, as seen below.

School Name Address
5 Star CDL Academy, LLC 2591 Legacy Way, Grand Junction, Colorado 81503
AIMS Community College 5401 W 20th St, Greeley, CO 80634
Careers Worldwide - Stevens Transport 35 S. Main St, Keenesburg, CO 80643
CDL Certifiers Inc. - Western Colorado Community College 2508 Blichmann Avenue, Grand Junction, CO 81505
CDL College 7170 Dahlia St. Commerce City, CO 80022
CDL College 2107 H Rd, Grand Junction, CO 81505
CDL Safety School 2850 South Rooney Rd, Morrison, CO 80465
Colorado CDL Training School 2118 Freedom Rd, Trinidad, CO 81082
Commercial Vehicle Training Center 1810 N Watkins Rd Watkins, CO 80137
CTS Driving Academy 3401 Quebec St., Suite 8200 Denver, CO 80207
Excel Driver Services 9695 Brighton Rd. Henderson, CO 80640
Northern Colorado Truck Driving Academy Training Area/Test Site: 2200 Airway Ave. Fort Collins, CO 80524 Office/Classroom: 425 John Deer Dr. Fort Collins, CO 80524
Sage Truck Driving School 10401 E. 102nd Ave, Unit A, Henderson, CO 80640
Sage Truck Driving School 2800 Printers Way, Grand Junction, CO 81506
Springs Truck Driving School 6550 Mark Dabling Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80919
United States Truck Driving School 8150 W 48th Ave Wheat Ridge CO 80033
United States Truck Driving School 19825 Wigwam Rd Fountain, CO 80817

Some of these schools might offer a scholarship, so it’s best to see if this is an option and if you qualify for it.

It’s best to select a school where the classrooms are smaller so that the teacher would be able to answer all the questions from all students.

Schools usually mention the size of the classes, or you can ask them.

Generally, it’s the driving schools where you get the endorsements.

These endorsements are needed if you have to drive under specific conditions.

You can become a commercial driver, a diesel mechanic or a number of other certifications that can help you earn more money, but we talk about this subject below.

Remember to renew your license when your current one expires.

Also, be aware that the exams are not free of charge, and neither is the renewal.

Income

In Colorado, the median salary for these drivers is $44,092 annually, while those in the top 10% make about $51,100 per year.

In the United States, these drivers earn a median salary of $44,225 per year while those in the top 10% make around $51,254 per year.

Annual Salary Range:
$38K
$44K
$51K
10%
50%
90%
Annual Salary by Location:
Location Avg. Annual Salary
Denver $44,725
Colorado Springs $44,017
Aurora $44,695
Fort Collins $43,053
Thornton $44,725
Arvada $44,725
Westminster $44,725
Pueblo $41,014
Boulder $45,375
Greeley $43,236

Regional Salary in Colorado

Region Employed Avg. Annual Salary Avg. Hourly Pay Top 10% Annual Salary Bottom 10% Annual Salary
Boulder, CO490$58,420$28.09$72,300$44,150
Colorado Springs, CO2,250$54,580$26.24$68,820$40,960
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO15,760$60,780$29.22$77,020$46,090
Fort Collins, CO1,450$54,870$26.38$62,800$39,440
Grand Junction, CO900$53,420$25.68$66,050$37,830
Greeley, CO2,830$57,580$27.68$73,910$44,750
Pueblo, CO490$52,810$25.39$72,840$40,060
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers, OCC Code 53-3032, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Conclusion

Once you get your license and endorsements you’ll easily find a job with trucking companies or even schools.

USA CDL Schools by State


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