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Nevada is a good place to start a career as a truck driver, due to its rocky terrain.
However, you will first need to get trained and get a license or specialization.
Check out the info below to learn more about the industry.
Article Table of Contents
Getting Trained in Nevada
Before you can work in the field, you need to choose a school to get trained at.
One thing to keep in mind is that the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles does not require schooling, however, attending a course can help you improve your skills and get more experience.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| A-1 Truck Driver Training | 1105 Industrial Rd, Boulder City, NV 89005 |
| Advanced Truck School LLC | 160 Campus Wy, Fallon, NV 89406 |
| Advanced Truck School LLC | 3005 Ironwood Rd, Reno, NV 89510, USA |
| AGS Consultants LLC | 501 South Rancho Drive c-18, Las Vegas, NV 89106 |
| AIT Truck Driver Training | 4020 E. Lone Mountain Rd., North Las Vegas, NV 89081 |
| American Institute of Trucking | 4020 E Lone Mountain Rd, North Las Vegas, NV 89081 |
| Desert Truck Driving School | 2090-B Kleppe Lane, Sparks, NV 89431 |
| Giron Driving School | 302 N Maryland Pkwy 2, Las Vegas, NV 89101 |
| Great Basin College | 1500 College Pkwy, Elko, NV 89801 |
| Horizon Commercial Truck School | 8895 Canyon River Ct, Sparks, NV 89434 |
| Nevada Truck Driving School | 3780 N Virginia St., Reno, NV 89506 |
| Southwest Truck Driver Training | 4610 Vandenberg Dr., N Las Vegas, NV 89081 |
| Truckee Meadows Community College | 5270 Neil Road, S220, Reno, NV 89502 |
The commercial driver courses do not last long.
You can complete a program in either 3 or 6 weeks, depending on whether you want to become a tractor-trailer.driver or a truck driver.
Getting your license is also not a complicated process in this state.
You will need to visit the Department of Motor Vehicles and submit an application for a license.
Getting a license involves passing an eye test and paying the application fees, after which you will be taking a written exam.
The topics of the exam are covered in the Commercial Driver’s Manual.
After passing the written exam, you will also need to take a physical exam.
The commercial driver’s license that you will receive lasts for 4 years, after which you need to renew it.
Getting Hired in Nevada
The trucking industry in Nevada keeps evolving, and commercial driver jobs are expected to see an 18% increase according to O*Net.
This means that 300 new jobs become available each year.
As a tractor-trailer driver in this state, you will get a higher salary compared to other jobs in the industry.
According to the same source, a median salary for this job is $45,331 per year, while those in the top 10% make about $52,535 per year.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Las Vegas | $45,839 |
| Henderson | $45,662 |
| Reno | $44,402 |
| North Las Vegas | $45,839 |
| Sparks | $44,402 |
| Carson City | $44,579 |
| Pahrump | $45,176 |
| Sun Valley | $44,402 |
| Fernley | $43,756 |
| Elko | $37,636 |
Regional Salary in Nevada
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carson City, NV | 110 | $52,110 | $25.05 | $65,160 | $37,090 |
| Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV | 10,290 | $51,970 | $24.98 | $66,660 | $36,450 |
| Reno, NV | 4,550 | $55,140 | $26.51 | $73,790 | $37,540 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
When it comes to getting hired, you can work for a national company or a local one.
Some of the most well-known trucking companies in Nevada are Earl L. Henderson Trucking, Interstate Distributor Company, C.R. England, and Groendyke Transport.
Your salary will also depend on how experienced you are, so expect to make less like an entry-level driver.
If you want to earn more, look for a job in a region where truck driving is in high demand.
Over-the-road drivers also earn a higher wage as they need to spend more time away working.
Conclusion
As the trucking industry in Nevada is flourishing, it is not difficult to find a job that fits the level of your experience and skills.
In order to connect with others and find a better job, consider becoming a member of the Nevada Trucking Association.
This organization provides info on law changes, helps you learn tips about the industry and even has a Driver Hall of Fame.
Another way to reach the association is becoming a member of the Legislative Action Center.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Truck Driver
CDL Schools by State