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Houston · CDL (Commercial Driver's License)

CDL schools in Houston

Truck driving programs, what a CDL costs and what drivers earn in the Houston area.

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Houston is one of the busiest freight hubs in the country. The Port of Houston, the Ship Channel refineries, and the warehouse and distribution industry all need drivers constantly. A CDL can open doors in a few weeks.

  • Port and tanker work pays above the national average.
  • Many carriers will pay for your CDL school in exchange for a work commitment.
  • Entry-level driver training (ELDT) is required for first-time CDL applicants.

In short

To get a CDL in Houston, you complete entry-level driver training (ELDT), pass the written and driving tests, and get your license from the Texas DPS. Training takes 3 to 7 weeks and costs $3,000 to $7,000. Many carriers will pay for the training or reimburse you. Port and tanker drivers in Houston can earn $55,000 to $70,000+.

Sources checked October 8, 2026Pay and job facts from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024). Training and licensing data from state regulatory agencies and program websites.

What it pays in Houston

CDL drivers in the Houston metro earn a range that depends on the type of driving.

RoleExperiencePayNotes
Local/regional driverEntry-levelAbout $42,000–$52,000Food service, beverage, LTL, construction materials
OTR (over-the-road)Entry-levelAbout $50,000–$62,000Dry van, flatbed, reefer; longer time away from home
Port driverExperiencedAbout $55,000–$70,000Port Houston container hauling; experience and endorsements help
Tanker/hazmatExperiencedAbout $60,000–$75,000+Chemical and fuel hauling; requires tanker and hazmat endorsements
Owner-operatorExperiencedVariable $60,000–$100,000+After expenses; more freedom, more responsibility

Typical ranges based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics area data, company listings and industry sources (May 2024). Starting pay is lower.

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Where to train

Houston has many CDL schools, from private truck driver training programs to community college courses.

Option 1

Private CDL schools

Swift, CRST, Prime, Werner and other carriers run training programs out of Houston. You pay little or nothing up front and commit to working for them for a set period. Most finish in 3 to 4 weeks.

Low upfrontFastMay owe a work term
Option 2

Community colleges

Houston Community College and San Jacinto College offer CDL training courses. More expensive than carrier schools but no work commitment.

No contractEvening optionsCost more upfront
Option 3

Union and veteran programs

Veterans can use GI Bill benefits for CDL training at approved schools. Some union programs offer CDL training for related trades.

GI Bill acceptedVeteran-friendlyUnion benefits

Questions about cdl (commercial driver's license) in Houston

How fast can I get a CDL?

3 to 7 weeks at most schools. The longest part is often waiting for a DMV appointment.

Do I need a GED?

Not for the CDL itself, but some carriers and programs require a diploma or equivalent. Call around.

What endorsements do I need?

For Houston-area work: tanker and hazmat endorsements open the best-paying jobs. Port work needs a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).

Which Houston companies hire new drivers?

Swift, Werner, Prime, US Xpress, and many local carriers all run training and hire out of Houston.

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