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Becoming a truck driver can be a fun and lucrative career, but what do you need to do to get into the industry?
We have brought you some info on how to choose the best truck driving school and start your new career.
Article Table of Contents
Choosing a School
If you live in West Virginia, you should know there are 10 schools in this state.
Maybe you are looking for a scholarship to cover your tuition costs or get financed.
In that case, you should contact the Academy of Careers and Technology.
This school offers programs that qualify for the Workforce Investment Act Funds, and these are a good choice for adults who don’t have employment.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| BCTC Truck Driving Academy | 3505 Daniel Boone Pkwy, Foster, WV 25081 |
| Eastern WV Community & Technical College | 316 Eastern Drive, Moorefield, WV 26836, USA |
| Fred Eberle Tech Truck Driver Training | Rte 5 Box 2, Buckhannon, WV 26201 |
| James Rumsey Technical Institute | 3274 Hedgesville Rd., Martinsburg, WV 25403 |
| John D. Rockefeller IV Career Center | 80 Rockefeller Circle, New Cumberland WV 26047 |
| New River Community and Technical College | 527 Odd Rd., Ghent, WV 25843 |
| Ohio Valley Truck Driver Training School | 1341 Highland Ave., Williamstown, WV 26187 |
| PIA - Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics | 500 28th Street, Dunbar, WV 25064 |
When choosing a school to train at, you should think of how much time you can spend on your training.
Typically, a Class A truck driving program lasts about one to 2 months.
This means that you can get your license faster and start your new job.
However, if getting specialized is more important to you to consider enrolling in a school that offers diesel technology programs.
These courses are more lengthy and can last for one and up to 2 years.
At the end of the course, you will receive a diploma or an associates’ degree.
If you wonder what school to choose, you should know that Bridgemont Community & Technical College provides both a diploma and an associate’s degree.
Small class sizes could help you get more driving hours and also more interaction with your instructor.
If you don’t want to look for a job after you complete your training, you can choose a school with job placement options.
In West Virginia, some of these schools are Mountaineer Transport, PIA Trucking Program, and the James Rumsey Technical Institute.
After your training is completed, you will need to pass a written test and a skill test.
If you pass these, you can then apply and get your truck driving license.
Getting a job in West Virginia
There are quite a few places you can get hired in this state.
Many trucking companies, leasing centers, and repair shops are constantly hiring.
According to SFGate, the increased federal budget allows companies to use better roads and cuts off usage fees.
The most important trucking companies in West Virginia are A&R Transport, C.R. England, and USA Truck Inc.
The wage you will receive depends on your level of experience and will increase as you advance in your job.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Charleston | $40,360 |
| Huntington | $39,133 |
| Morgantown | $43,378 |
| Parkersburg | $39,346 |
| Wheeling | $43,378 |
| Weirton | $43,222 |
| Fairmont | $43,378 |
| Martinsburg | $48,814 |
| Beckley | $40,006 |
| Clarksburg | $38,991 |
Regional Salary in West Virginia
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beckley, WV | 580 | $42,520 | $20.44 | $59,770 | $22,320 |
| Charleston, WV | 1,230 | $49,560 | $23.83 | $83,190 | $28,180 |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | 1,970 | $47,320 | $22.75 | $62,730 | $30,720 |
| Morgantown, WV | 680 | $45,660 | $21.95 | $59,280 | $28,710 |
| Parkersburg-Vienna, WV | 460 | $45,720 | $21.98 | $61,750 | $29,640 |
| Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH | 740 | $45,820 | $22.03 | $63,310 | $28,250 |
| Wheeling, WV-OH | 950 | $48,620 | $23.37 | $61,000 | $35,140 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
There will be a 15% growth in truck driving jobs from 2012 to 2012, according to ONet.
Diesel mechanics will see an 11% percent growth within the same period.
Conclusion
Truck driving is a profitable career that you don’t need much training.
If you attend the courses and get your license, you will have a stable job for the rest of your life.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Truck Driver
CDL Schools by State