Are you looking for a new career? Consider becoming a Class A truck driver in Washington! Did you know that Washington has a massive trucking industry with many job opportunities? There are even companies that will reimburse your tuition fee if you sign on with them. You could be on track for a new and fulfilling career in a matter of weeks. Read on to learn more about CDL training in Washington!
How Does CDL Training in Washington Work?
A CDL is a Commercial Drivers License and If you want to work in the trucking industry in Washington, you must obtain your CDL. There are different classes of CDL which allow you to drive different types of commercial vehicles. The classes and privileges are as follows:
Where the best truck drivers go to find jobs nationwide!
Class A
- Allows you to drive a combination vehicle with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, as long as the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is over 10,000 pounds.
- Note that Washington State doesn’t recognize class A passenger vehicles.
Class B
- Any vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more
- Vehicles towing a trailer with a weight rating of 10,000 (GVWR) pounds or less
- Any vehicles listed under Class C, if properly endorsed.
Class C
- Vehicles carrying 16 or more persons, including the driver
- Vehicles carrying hazardous materials that need a placard
There are many opportunities for CDL-holders in Washington, as there is a shortage of truck drivers in the state. Among your job options upon obtaining a CDL are:
- Long-haul driver delivering cargo over large distances
- Transporting hazardous materials, which will require additional endorsements
- Specialty cargo moving unusual freight, which will require additional endorsements.
- Bus driving with a CDL, although you might require additional endorsements.
Did you know truckers in Washington make an average of $41.010 per year? That’s a good gig!
Washington Trucking School Facts & Figures
Before making the leap and signing up for a CDL course, it’s essential to understand the cost of your education and other key statistics about CDL training in Washington.
Number of Schools
At the time of writing, there are 49 different approved CDL training facilities registered in Washington. Most of these facilities are located within the Seattle metropolitan area. This is because most of the state’s population lives in this area, and the proximity to Puget Sound makes Seattle a hotspot for CDL training.
Number of Students per Class
The average number of students during classes is between 10 and 16. However, all driving instructions are done with smaller groups of an instructor taking care of 1 to 4 students.
Tuition Rates
The average tuition cost for a class A CDL is $4.032. However, this will vary depending on the CDL class you wish to obtain and the school you choose to attend.
Average Loan Amount
Many CDL students choose to take out loans to cover at least a portion of their course. The average loan amount for CDL students is around $6000.
Scholarship
If you’re a trucking student in Washington, you can apply for a scholarship to cover a portion of your education. Average scholarship awards in the state come down to an average of $1.638.
Job Placement
Most of the training facilities have relationships with employers in the industry. CDL schools in Washington report job placement figures from 84% all the way up to 100%!
Washington Trucking Employment Facts & Figures
Once you’ve completed your CDL training, you will have many work opportunities. Check out these employment facts and figures to get a better idea of jobs in the industry within Washington state.
Employment
A quick search for trucking jobs in Washington on Indeed shows up to 8663 job advertisements. That’s a lot of opportunity for new drivers!
| Biggest Employer | Average Salary | Company Size |
| Smokey Point | $65,000 | 350 |
| Oak Harbor Freight Lines | $60,000 | 1000-9999 |
| System Transport Inc | $67,200 | 1001-5000 |
| Peninsula Trucklines | $52,320 | 350 |
| Lynden Incorporated | $63,170 | 1001-5000 |
Salary
The average salary for a truck driver in Washington is:
Weekly: $1.282
Monthly: $5.128
Yearly: $61.538
5 Best CDL Training Programs in Washington
To start your career in the trucking industry, you will require a CDL license. However, most training facilities will also help you find a job after completing your training. Below are five of the best CDL training facilities in Washington.
New Sound Trucking School
New Sound Trucking School offers training for class A and class B CDL licenses. It also provides training for passenger, tanker, and hazardous materials endorsements.
Cost:
- Class A Manual: $4,500
- Class A Automatic: $4,000
- Class B: $3,000
Program Length:
- Both Class A courses take 4 weeks to complete
- Class B training takes 2 weeks
Financial Assistance: New Sound Trucking school has several options for financial assistance:
- Amazon employee training benefits
- Boeing current employee training benefits
- Corrections Clearinghouse
- Department of L&I retraining benefits
- TANIF education and training benefits
- WorkSource
- Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
- Unemployment retraining benefits
They also accept student loans through Climb Credit and Paramount Capital for those that do not qualify for any of the above.
Tuition Reimbursement:
Many trucking companies partner with schools offering tuition reimbursement if the student agrees to contract with them. Inquire with New Sound Trucking School to find out more
Class Size: 3:1 student to instructor ratio. Theory classes are completed online.
Job Placement: Yes, NSTS provides assistance with job placement. They do so through resume updates, interview training, and referring and connecting you to companies.
Course Location: Both online and in-person available
CDL Licenses:
- Class A
- Class B
Check Ride Driver Training Services
Check Ride Driver Training Services offers training for Class A and B licenses. They pride themselves on helping their students succeed with a job placement rate of 94%. In addition, they frequently check in with former students to make sure they are successful.
Cost:
- Class A: $4,695
- Class B: $3,395
Program Length:
- Class A: 4 weeks
- Class B: 10 days
Financial Assistance: Check Ride Driver training services recommends scheduling a meeting with their admissions and student director, who can help you figure out which assistance you qualify for. Among the options are:
- WorkSource
- Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA)
- Workforce Investment Act (WIA)
- VA for veterans
They also offer a 3-week payment plan.
Tuition Reimbursement: Many trucking companies partner with schools offering tuition reimbursement if the student agrees to contract with them. Inquire with Check Ride Driver Training Services to find out more.
Class Size: One-on-one driving instructions
Job Placement: Check Ride Driver Training Services has a job placement rate of 94% and helps former students find new jobs.
Course Location: In person only
CDL Licenses:
- Class A
- Class B
CDS Truck School
CDS Truck School offers training in Class A, B, and C licenses. They also have training programs for hazardous materials endorsement as well as bus driver endorsements.
Cost:
- Class A CDL Tuition: $4,195
For information about Class B and C training, please contact CDS Truck School
Program Length:
Class A: 4 weeks
For information about Class B and C training, please contact CDS Truck School
Financial Assistance: CDS offers financial aid through the following options:
- WorkSource
- Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA)
- Dislocated Worker Program (DWP)
- Workforce Investment Act (WIA)
- Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
- VA for veterans.
Tuition Reimbursement: Many trucking companies partner with schools offering tuition reimbursement if the student agrees to contract with them. Inquire with CDS Truck School to find out more.
Class Size: 3:1 student to instructor ratio
Job Placement: CDS is partnered with over 1200 local employers and has a job placement rating of 96%.
Course Location: In-person only. CDS has four different locations across WA.
CDL Licenses:
- Class A
- Class B
- Class C
Pacific NW Professional Driving School
Pacific NW Professional driving school offers training programs for Class A and Class B CDL licenses. It also provides training for multiple endorsements.
Cost:
- Class A Manual: $4,900
- Class A Automatic: $4,400
- Class B: $3,250
Program Length:
- Class A: 4 weeks
- Class B: 2 weeks
Financial Assistance: Pacific NW professional driving school works with the following programs to provide financial aid:
- Amazon employee training benefits
- Boeing current employee training benefits
- Corrections Clearinghouse
- Department of L&I retraining benefits
- TANIF education and training benefits
- WorkSource
- Unemployment retraining benefits
Tuition Reimbursement: Many trucking companies partner with schools offering tuition reimbursement if the student agrees to contract with them. Inquire with Pacific NW professional driving school to find out more.
Class Size: 3:1 student to instructor ratio
Job Placement: Pacific NW professional driving school will help you find a job while taking training and for the rest of your trucking career. They also work with local trucking companies and can sometimes provide pre-hire jobs.
Course Location: In-person only. Pacific NW Professional Driving School has two locations in Washington state.
CDL Licenses:
- Class A
- Class B
T Enterprises Inc. Truck Driving School
T Enterprises Inc. offers training for both Class A and Class B CDL licenses. They also offer training programs for bus and hazardous material endorsements. T Enterprises prides itself on putting more time and effort into its students.
Its Class A program has 32 hours of driving compared to the 18 hours most competitors offer. Its Class B program also provides longer training.
Cost:
- Class A: $4,490
- Class B: $3,770
Program Length:
- Class A: 4 weeks
- Class B: 4 weeks
Financial Assistance: T Enterprises Inc. works with the following programs to provide financial aid:
- WorkSource
- Washington State Worker Retraining
- Veterans
- DSHS
- DVR
- Labor and Industries
- O.I.C.
- People for People
Tuition Reimbursement: Many trucking companies partner with schools offering tuition reimbursement if the student agrees to contract with them. Inquire with T Enterprises Inc truck driving school to find out more
Class Size: 3:1 student to instructor ratio
Job Placement: T Enterprises Inc. truck driving school works with local companies and will help you with job placement.
Course Location: In-person only
CDL Licenses:
- Class A
- Class B
The Best CDL Training in the Evergreen State
Are you interested in becoming a CDL driver in Washington? Now that you know about your education and employment opportunities, you’re prepared to begin an exciting new career.
Do you have a valid Class A CDL and in search of a job? TruckDrivingJobs.com has both company driver and owner-operator jobs available now! Head over to Truck Driving Jobs for more trucking employment insights and browse jobs nationwide!
FAQs
The average cost of getting your Class A CDL in Washington is around $4.400.
The Class A CDL training program takes approximately four weeks (160 hours) to complete.
There are 50 questions on the Washington CDL test.