CDL Classes in Minnesota (Top Schools)

Minnesota map

Getting an education in a field which you are interested in is always recommended, but if it also happens to be a part of a strong, dynamic sector, it’s a perfect match!

Trucking is one such propulsive economic sector in Minnesota today, while the state itself counts as many as 13 major trucking and diesel technology schools.

The average level of tuition today stands at a very modest $5,493.

With such reasonable levels of tuition, the doors of trucking education in Minnesota are widely open!

The scholarships, $764 on average, will help many a student in need.

For example, scholarships like Truck Driving School Fund, Diesel Technician Fund and the General Studies Fund from Minnesota Trucking Association are widely available to eligible students.

Page Navigation

Minnesota Truck Driving Schools at a Glance

The need to get yourself competently informed on important features offered by various schools cannot be overemphasized; program length is one of the main factors to consider.

Finishing a truck driving program usually doesn’t take much more than 4-6 weeks.

Eight weeks required to obtain a trucking certificate at Minnesota State College – Southeast Technical doesn’t stray too far from the norm.

In case you are motivated for a longer, more involved study, or just want to learn n a less stressful pace, there are schools in Minnesota that offer the options.

In addition, some universities, like the already mentioned Minnesota State College, may even help you find employment after graduation (with a guaranteed – 100% – rate of success!).

Regarding diesel technology, two types of programs stand out: a basic certificate (obtainable in one year or even less), and a more involved Associate’s degree course, lasting two years.

Some schools can offer programs with duration in between these two options, often giving you more hours of practical education.

14 Top CDL Schools in Minnesota

School NameAddressPhone
Alexandria Technical College1601 Jefferson St, Alexandria, MN 56308, USA320-762-0221
Central Lakes College501 West College Drive, Brainerd, MN 56401218-855-8000
Century College3300 Century Ave. North, White Bear Lake, MN 55110651-779-3300
Dakota County Tech College1300 145th Street East, Rosemount, MN 55068651-423-8301
Heavy Metal Truck Training10341 Dalton Ave NE, Monticello, MN 55362763-295-3776
Heavy Metal Truck Training11098 Clark Road, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077800-835-2540
Hibbing Community College11098 Clark Road, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077, USA218-262-7200
Interstate Truck Driving School499 Villaume Ave, South St Paul, MN 55075651-735-9250
Lake Superior College2101 Trinity Rd, Duluth, MN 55811218-733-7600
Riverland Community College1900 Eighth Ave NW, Austin, MN 55912507-433-0600
Minnesota West Community & Technical College1314 N Hiawatha Ave., Pipestone MN 56164800-658-2330
Southeast Technical1250 Homer Road, Winona, MN 55987, USA507-453-2700
St Cloud Technical & Community College1540 Northway Drive, St Cloud, MN 56303320-308-5000
Transportation Center for Excellence2755 Highway 55 Suite 200, Eagan, MN 55121651-683-8383

At a Glance: Trucking Schools in Minnesota

Total Schools:14
Undergraduate Programs:14
Graduate Programs:3
Average Acceptance Rate:44%
Average Tuition Cost:$8,925
Average Loan Amount:$6,294
Average Scholarship Award:$3,668
Average Classroom Size:21 Students
CDL Schools info

Finding the Right Employer for You in Minnesota

As a truck driver or diesel mechanic, you will be able to start your career fast but not before finishing your studies.

Once you graduate, many doors will open: large and small trucking companies regularly hire new workers in Minnesota.

Viessman Trucking, C.R. England and MCT Transportation LLC are just some of the larger employers where it may be possible for a graduate to land a job.

Other options could include repair workshops and truck dealers.

This time, statistics brings in good news: trucker job projection comes strong at a 23% projected increase, while diesel mechanics can expect job growth of 14% in coming years!

Can You Count (on) Your Salary?

The question of salary level is always a question looming large in the background; to deny its importance would be deeply dishonest.

Salary info is especially vital for a fresh graduate: it is important not to oversell or undersell your skills.

While the average trucker salary in Minnesota currently stands at $44,956, the data collected below can help you get more info on the topic and prepare yourself better for getting a good job with a satisfactory salary.

Annual Salary Range:
$39K
$44K
$52K

Average Salary of Truck Drivers in Minnesota

City NameSalary
Minneapolis$46,940
St. Paul$46,940
Duluth$41,717
Rochester$42,598
Bloomington$42,202
Brooklyn Park$43,471
Plymouth$
Eagan$
Coon Rapids$
Burnsville$46,807

Regional Salary

RegionEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Duluth, MN-WI1,960$60,900$29.28$77,040$44,190
Mankato-North Mankato, MN800$57,790$27.79$87,380$40,060
Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI22,190$62,000$29.81$80,660$46,840
Rochester, MN1,280$59,610$28.66$81,220$44,510
St. Cloud, MN1,950$57,890$27.83$77,790$42,690
* 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.
Find a Program