CDL Classes in Iowa (Top Schools)

Iowa map

If you’re interested in either diesel technology or trucking, in Iowa you can start over a successful career in both.

There are in total 17 trucking schools which offer both of these programs, with an average cost of tuition of $5,101, and an average scholarship award of $1,576.

If you decide to study trucking, you can apply for many scholarships through The Iowa Motor Truck Association.

This is a local group which awards scholarships like the Harold Dickey Scholarship, Darryl Mason Scholarship, and the Bob Banister Memorial Scholarship.

With a little bit of effort, any of these awards can be YOURS!

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Comparing Truck Driving Schools in Iowa

Despite the benefits of tuition and financial aid, there are other things you have to consider when choosing to study in any of the Iowa schools.

And that is the time you will be spending there while studying.

Initially, there are different lengths of programs within the same field of study.

At Kirkwood Community College, for example, you can complete a diesel technology certificate in two semesters or an Associate’s degree in two full years.

In general, truck driving programs take a shorter amount of time to complete than diesel technology programs.

If you work traditional daytime hours, you can look for a program that has night or weekend classes.

Indian Hills Community College is one of the Iowa schools that has more flexible course offerings.

All of their driving programs have 216-hour classroom and driving instruction.

This way, you can choose to whether to go to the classes from Monday to Friday and graduate in six weeks or attend the classes on weekends and graduate in nine weeks.

Life of the Road in Iowa

One of the most common questions you may add when you start working is asking about the amount of money you will earn.

After getting your final trucking degree, you can work in several different settings, such as trucking companies, repair shops, or leasing centers.

The major employers in Iowa include Viessman Trucking, C.R England, and MTC Transportation LLC.

The job outlook is strong for these professions.

It is expected that between 2012 and 2022, there may be a 19% increase in demand for truck drivers and an 11% increase in demand for diesel mechanics.

Best Trucking Schools in Iowa

Just like in other countries, in Iowa also you can find the best trucking schools-if you’re really interested to be part of any of them!

What makes them the best, literally is the variety of scholarships and financial aid they offer.

I don’t think there’s a better motivation than this-being aided to study by money and awards.

And apart from that, job opportunities are also not so far away from you, if you enroll these schools.

To do that, you need to scroll down the list and check them closely.

13 Top CDL Schools in Iowa

School NameAddressPhone
Eastern Iowa Community College306 West River Drive, Davenport, IA, United States1-800-462-3255
Southeastern Community College1500 West Agency Road, West Burlington, IA 52655866-722-4692
Western Iowa Tech Community College4647 Stone Ave, Sioux City, IA 51102800-352-4649
Watterott College7000 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA 50321, USA855-401-4478
Scot Community College500 Belmont Road, Bettendorf, IA 52722, USA563-441-4001
North Iowa Area Community College500 College Dr, Mason City, IA 50401641-423-1264
Kirkwood Community College6301 Kirkwood Blvd, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404319-398-5517
Iowa Central Community CollegeOne Triton Circle, Fort Dodge, IA 50501800-362-2793
Indian Hills Community College525 Grandview Ave, Ottumwa, IA 52501641-683-5111
Hawkeye Community College-Cedar Falls Center5330 Nordic Drive, Cedar Falls, IA 50613319-277-2490
Dubuque Area Professional Driving School LLC10633 Diesel Dr, Dubuque, IA 52001563-513-1606
Des Moines Area Community College2081 NE 54th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313, USA515-262-1680
1-Day CDL2121 Adventureland Drive, Altoona, IA 50009, USA515-577-8470

At a Glance: Trucking Schools in Iowa

Total Schools:13
Undergraduate Programs:16
Graduate Programs:3
Average Acceptance Rate:65%
Average Tuition Cost:$9,293
Average Loan Amount:$6,165
Average Scholarship Award:$4,337
Average Classroom Size:21 Students
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Truck Driving Salaries in Iowa

Here’s the truck driving salary in Iowa, categorized in three different ways.

It shifts constantly, but the average is still there-like the golden middle, showing its face to you every now and then!

Annual Salary Range:
$37K
$42K
$48K

Average Salary of Truck Drivers in Iowa

City NameSalary
Des Moines$42,356
Cedar Rapids$41,739
Davenport$41,628
Sioux City$36,670
Waterloo$39,844
Iowa City$41,395
Council Bluffs$41,670
Dubuque$41,287
Ames$41,959
West Des Moines$42,356

Regional Salary

RegionEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Ames, IA390$50,440$24.25$63,940$36,310
Cedar Rapids, IA4,890$54,460$26.18$71,950$38,270
Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL2,670$53,870$25.9$73,920$36,450
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA7,970$57,310$27.55$81,420$39,690
Dubuque, IA1,430$55,060$26.47$78,170$37,950
Iowa City, IA2,310$55,880$26.87$78,080$37,800
Sioux City, IA-NE-SD4,060$56,590$27.21$79,440$37,240
Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA1,660$54,700$26.3$81,540$37,750
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers, OCC Code 53-3032, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
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