CDL Schools in Minnesota (Top Programs Listed)

CDL Schools in Minnesota

In order to work in the trucking industry, you will need to get a license.

The field is varied and you can get hired as a commercial driver or as a diesel mechanic.

Let’s have a look at the schools where you can train if you live in Minnesota.

Schools in Minnesota

This state has 13 schools that provide trucking programs.

Although the tuition is quite affordable, you can enroll in a school and have your costs covered if you apply for a scholarship.

For example, The Minnesota Trucking Association offers such scholarships regardless of the program you choose.

You can choose between the Truck Driving School Fund, the Diesel Technician Fund, and the General Studies Fund.

Choosing the Right Program

After checking the schools, you will have to choose the program that suits your needs best.

Keep in mind some schools have longer programs than others and the length depends on the specialization you opt for.

If you go for a diesel technology program, you should be prepared to attend a program that lasts a year or 2.

However, truck driving courses are much shorter and you can finish one in 4 to 8 weeks.

Most of these offer a Class A commercial driving certification.

Check out Riverland Community College, a school that offers a 2-year long diesel technology course and an associate’s degree.

One of the shorter programs is offered by Minnesota State College—Southeast Technical.

The school has a truck driving program that only lasts 2 months.

School Name Address
Alexandria Technical College 1601 Jefferson St, Alexandria, MN 56308, USA
Central Lakes College 501 West College Drive, Brainerd, MN 56401
Century College 3300 Century Ave. North, White Bear Lake, MN 55110
Dakota County Tech College 1300 145th Street East, Rosemount, MN 55068
Heavy Metal Truck Training 10341 Dalton Ave NE, Monticello, MN 55362
Heavy Metal Truck Training 11098 Clark Road, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077
Hibbing Community College 11098 Clark Road, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077, USA
Interstate Truck Driving School 499 Villaume Ave, South St Paul, MN 55075
Lake Superior College 2101 Trinity Rd, Duluth, MN 55811
Minnesota West Community & Technical College 1314 N Hiawatha Ave., Pipestone MN 56164
Riverland Community College 1900 Eighth Ave NW, Austin, MN 55912
Southeast Technical 1250 Homer Road, Winona, MN 55987, USA
St Cloud Technical & Community College 1540 Northway Drive, St Cloud, MN 56303
Transportation Center for Excellence 2755 Highway 55 Suite 200, Eagan, MN 55121

Another aspect to consider when choosing a school is the class size.

Small classes give you a chance of more personalized training with your instructor as well as more interaction.

You can also attend a higher number of driving hours which will help you improve your skills faster.

Starting a Truck Driving Career

After getting your certification, it is time to look for job opportunities.

One solution to this would be enrolling in a school that provides job placement to its students.

This will save you time as you could get employed by the same company you trained at, straight after school.

If you are looking for a company to apply to, look into Viessman Trucking, C.R. England, and MCT Transportation LLC.

With a truck driving license, you can work for any trucking company, repair shop, and dealership.

The trucking industry is also a growing field.

O*Net reports a 23% growth for commercial truck drivers in the 10 year period between 2012 and 2022.

Diesel technology jobs will see a 14% increase within the same time period.

The money will be earning will vary based on your level of experience and specialization.

On average, truck drivers in Minnesota make about $45,242 annually, while those in the top 10% earn about $52,432 annually.

Annual Salary Range:
$39K
$45K
$52K
10%
50%
90%
Annual Salary by Location:
Location Avg. Annual Salary
Minneapolis $47,033
Saint Paul $47,033
Rochester $42,832
Duluth $41,948
Saint Cloud $41,717
Lakeville $46,742
Eden Prairie $46,954
Burnsville $46,901
Minnetonka $47,033
Moorhead $41,492

Regional Salary in Minnesota

Region Employed Avg. Annual Salary Avg. Hourly Pay Top 10% Annual Salary Bottom 10% Annual Salary
Duluth, MN-WI2,000$56,380$27.11$72,950$38,460
Mankato-North Mankato, MN740$55,090$26.49$76,960$37,820
Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI19,680$59,840$28.77$80,000$43,710
Rochester, MN1,230$55,950$26.9$76,340$39,340
St. Cloud, MN1,900$56,520$27.17$74,320$39,230
* Salary information based on the May 2022 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

Getting a license in the trucking field is not complicated, as well as your study and take your career seriously.

After your training is completed, you can easily get hired and start your life on the road.

USA CDL Schools by State


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