CDL Training in Alaska

Beginning CDL Training in Alaska is a great option to start your career in the ever-growing trucking industry. Over the next several years, the industry is expected to continue expanding, meaning that quality drivers will be needed throughout the country – including in Alaska. CDL training is a fantastic way for people to hop on a career trajectory that will improve their wealth. Read on and explore our top CDL training courses in Alaska.

Quicklook: Best CDL Training Schools in Alaska

• Northern Industrial Training (NIT)
• Kenai Peninsula Driving Instruction 
• Alaska Driving Academy
• Center for Employment Education
• Yuut Driving Academy

Best CDL Training Programs in Alaska

When you’re ready to begin your career as a professional driver, you’ll need training from the best in the business. These top schools provide the best paid CDL training Alaska has to offer. 

Northern Industrial Training (NIT)

Northern Industrial Training provides drivers with programs that are focused on hands-on learning. NIT knows that students will require real-world training and their program is focused around helping better prepare them for the actual experiences in the trucking industry. Students will practice driving on school property to identify that they have the skills and knowledge needed and to help build confidence behind the wheel. With NIT safety is always a priority. 

Cost: $6,825 – $13,500

Program Length: 160-320 Hours

Financial Assistance: NIT accepts financial aid, however, it is on the student to apply for funding themselves. 

Tuition Reimbursement: No

Class Size: One-to-one behind the wheel

Job Placement: No

Course Location: 

• Online for Classroom Training
• In-Person for behind the wheel training

CDL Licenses: 

•  Class A
•  Class B

Kenai Peninsula Driving Instruction

At the Kenai Peninsula Driving Instruction program, drivers will exude confidence with the one-on-one training they receive. When students are behind the wheel, the training ensures that they will get the most seat time and practice – from basic traffic practices to safe driving skills. It ensures drivers have a safer, more confident experience on the road. 

Cost: $5,000 – $8,500

Program Length: 80-154 hours

Financial Assistance: 

• CDL Funding Program
• Alaska Performance Scholarships 
• ACPE Authorized for Scholarships and Grants
• DOL STEP Grant Program

Tuition Reimbursement: No

Class Size: N/A

Job Placement: No

Course Location: In Person

CDL Licenses: 

•  Class A
•  Class B

Alaska Driving Academy

At Alaska Driving Academy they understand how much responsibility is put on the drivers they train – not just for themselves and their vehicles, but for their passengers and other drivers that they’ll come across on the road. This CDL driving course prepares students with the knowledge they need to handle everyday driving situations, the foundation needed to be a safe driver, and the behind-the-wheel experience to practice what they learn.

Cost: $6,2950 + tax

Program Length: 160 hours

Financial Assistance: No

Tuition Reimbursement: No

Class Size: Up to 12 students

Job Placement: Yes. Alaska Driving Academy has a 96% job placement rate.

Course Location: In-person

CDL Licenses:  

•  Class A
•  Class B

Center for Employment Education

The Center for Employment Education program is Alaska’s leader for commercial drivers in Anchorage and Fairbanks. They provide one-on-one training and testing to help drivers with the knowledge and experience they need to obtain their CDL. They also offer hazardous materials training for drivers who are looking to expand their skill levels.

Cost: $3100+

Program Length: 20-40 Hours

Financial Assistance: 

• Does not provide financial aid
• Partners with:
  • ACPE – Alaska Supplemental Education Loan
  • Alaska Department of Labor & Workforce Development
  • Veteran Education Benefits

Tuition Reimbursement: No

Class Size: One-to-one

Job Placement: No

Course Location: In Person

CDL Licenses:  

•  Class A
•  Class B
• Hazardous Material Training

Yuut Driving Academy

Yuut Driving Academy was created to help meet the needs of local employers to ensure the community had a reliable transportations workforce. They understood how vital it was to both the national and regional growth well-being. To keep the company running, they created a training program to allow Alaskans to obtain their CDL license to gain employment and help keep the region strong. 

Cost: 

• Tuition: $4,500 – $6,000 
• Meals & Lodging: $2,400 – $5,600
• Fees: $475 – $495

Program Length: 2 – 6 Weeks

Financial Assistance: No

Tuition Reimbursement: No

Class Size: n/a

Job Placement: No

Course Location: In Person

CDL Licenses:  

•  Class A
•  Class B

How Does CDL Training in Alaska Work?

Proper CDL training in Alaska offers vital training for a very important job in a geographical location with weather challenges. The transportation industry keeps goods moving from one region to the next. By obtaining your CDL, you’ll be able to secure employment to help the flow of goods, oil, and other vital needs for communities across the state. 

Alaska Trucking School Facts & Figures

If you’re ready to start the journey to getting your CDL, you’ve come to the right place. Here you’ll find the most up-to-date facts and figures about CDL Training Schools in Alaska.  

Number of Schools

There are currently 7 driving schools in Alaska. You can find CDL training in Anchorage, Palmer, Kenai, and other areas.

Number of Students per Class

The average class size for CDL training is 12 students, however, some schools offer one-to-one ratios.

Tuition Rates

On average, tuition rates in Alaska are $5,865. However, many of the schools also offer housing for an additional cost. Be sure to find out what all is included in your tuition and expect to pay a little more for housing if you need it.

Average Loan Amount

The average loan amount for CDL training in Alaska is $5,018.

Scholarship

Some schools in Alaska offer scholarships. On average, students who attend these CDL training schools receive $3,079 in scholarships.

Job Placement

Many of the schools in Alaska do not offer job placement. Only one does and has a 96% job placement rate.

Alaska Trucking Employment Facts & Figures

Before you decide if being a licensed CDL driver is the right choice, you’ll likely want to make sure it’s a viable long-term employment option. See the facts and figures on the trucking industry in Alaska below.

Employment 

There are numerous employers who need qualified CDL drivers in Alaska. Below, you’ll find a list of some of the biggest employers, but there are many other smaller organizations that could put your skills and expertise to work. 

Biggest Employer	Average Salary	Company Size
Carlile Transportation	$63,772.80	450 Employees
Black Gold Express	$60,507.20	40 Employees
Sourdough Express, Inc.	$56,160.00	140 Employees
Air Land Transport Inc	$50,994.00	220 Employees
Cooley Co	$63,739.00	50 Employees

Salary

The average salary depends greatly upon the company you work for. However, we think it’s important to provide an average salary so you can know what to expect after you have some experience under your belt. 

Weekly: $1086.15

Monthly: $4,706.66

Yearly: $56,480.00

Starting a CDL Driving Career in Alaska

To start a career as a truck driver, you’ll need to put in the time to get your CDL training to become acquainted with the vehicle, the road, and of course all the important safety things to look out for. Once you’ve obtained that vital knowledge and passed your Alaska CDL test, you’ll be a licensed driver and be ready to provide the communities throughout Alaska with top-of-the-line transportation services.

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