Should I Go to Truck Driving School?

If you’re thinking about becoming a truck driver, you’re probably wondering if attending truck driving school is worth your time and money. Maybe you’re curious about salaries, job opportunities, or whether a trucking career is stable enough for you to invest in formal CDL training. Fortunately, the trucking industry is booming—especially around Chicago—making truck driving school a wise choice for many future drivers.

Here’s what you should consider when deciding if truck driving school is right for you.

The trucking industry currently faces a significant shortage of truck drivers. Nationwide, companies need around 60,000 additional truck drivers just to meet current demand, according to the American Trucking Associations. This shortage is especially noticeable around major cities like Chicago, meaning plenty of job opportunities are waiting once you complete your CDL training.

With so many experienced truck drivers retiring, companies are eager to hire new, properly trained drivers. Getting trained now puts you in a great position to quickly find stable, well-paying jobs after graduation.

New truck drivers typically earn around $40,000-$50,000 annually right after finishing CDL training. In the Chicago area specifically, entry-level truck driver salaries commonly start around $45,000 to $55,000 annually. With experience and additional endorsements, salaries can rise rapidly, with seasoned drivers earning $70,000 to $100,000 or more.

Companies may also offer sign-on bonuses, overtime, or specialty pay for drivers with extra qualifications such as HazMat or tanker endorsements. Investing in CDL training is more than paying for classes—it’s investing in a career path with significant earning potential and growth opportunities.

The cost of truck driving school in the Chicago area usually ranges from about $4,000 to $8,000. That might sound expensive, but many options can help you cover tuition:

• Flexible Payment Plans: Schools like Alpha Truck Driving School offer flexible payment plans, letting you pay in installments while attending classes.
• Workforce Grants (WIOA): If you’re unemployed, underemployed, or changing careers, you might qualify for WIOA grants that cover some or all CDL training costs.
• Company-Sponsored Training: Some trucking companies will pay your tuition if you commit to driving for them after training. This is an attractive option to consider if upfront costs are a concern.

Absolutely. Consider the following points when evaluating the value of attending truck driving school:

• Quick Start to Your Career: Most CDL programs in Chicago only take 4 to 8 weeks. In just a couple of months, you could be starting a new job as a truck driver.
• Strong Job Security: Trucking isn’t going anywhere—companies rely heavily on professional drivers, and this reliance is growing.
• Good Income and Benefits: With starting salaries typically over $50,000 per year, you’ll quickly recover the cost of training.
• Career Flexibility: Having a CDL gives you multiple career choices, from local deliveries and long-haul trucking to specialty transport jobs.

At Alpha Truck Driving School, our goal is to make your trucking education affordable, accessible, and valuable. Our graduates consistently find great job opportunities with competitive salaries immediately after training.

If you decide truck driving school is right for you, here’s how to make the most of your investment:

• Choose a school with experienced instructors: A good instructor can make learning easier and ensure you pass your CDL exam confidently.
• Prepare financially: Understand tuition costs upfront, and use financing or grants if needed.

Take advantage of job placement assistance: Alpha Truck Driving School helps students secure jobs with reputable trucking companies, ensuring you get off to a strong start in your new career.

If you’re still wondering if truck driving school is worth it, consider this: Truck driving is a highly stable and rewarding career that offers strong financial returns on your initial investment. With the current truck driver shortage, solid starting salaries, and opportunities for advancement, earning your CDL in Chicago positions you for immediate employment and long-term job security.

At Alpha Truck Driving School, we guide students every step of the way—from financial aid assistance to expert training and job placement support—so you can confidently begin your trucking career without stress.