Truck Driver (CDL) Apprenticeships in Illinois
Illinois has 17 registered apprenticeship sponsors training truck driver (cdl)s — 3 of them union or joint labor-management programs. Apprentices earn a wage from day one and finish without tuition debt.
Registered sponsors
17
Union / joint programs
3
Median truck driver (cdl) wage
$59,790
Illinois, all experience levels
Job growth 2022–2032
+4.3%
9,600 openings/yr
Largest Registered Sponsors
Union and joint labor-management programs are listed first — they typically pay the best apprentice rates and charge no tuition.
| Sponsor | City | Program type |
|---|---|---|
| AAWSTLU JATC Union / joint | Pembrooke Township | Multiple Employer |
| IL TEAMSTERS/EMPLOYERS APPRENTICESHIP/TRAINING FUN Union / joint | JOLIET | Multiple Employer |
| KLIMAN-TEST/COMPANY Union / joint | Chicago | Multiple Employer |
| D & D Sweeping Inc. | Eureka | Single Employer |
| Dot Transportation, Inc. | Mt. Sterling | Single Employer |
| Gray's Material Service | Gilman | Single Employer |
| Heartland Community College | Normal | Multiple Employer |
| IRC, Inc. | Jacksonville | Single Employer |
| Joliet Junior College / Intermediary | Joliet | Multiple Employer |
| Kaskaskia College | Centralia | Multiple Employer |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship sponsors (apprenticeship.gov).
What Truck Driver (CDL)s Earn in Illinois
Wages
- Median annual wage: $59,790
- Average annual wage: $61,230
- Truck Driver (CDL)s employed statewide: 76,650
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024. Apprentices typically start at 40–50% of the journeyman rate and get scheduled raises.
10-year outlook
- Projected growth 2022–2032: +4.3%
- Average openings per year: 9,600
- Employment: 87,010 → 90,720
Source: Projections Central / state workforce agencies.
Prefer the school route? Compare Truck Driver (CDL) programs
Illinois Licensing for Truck Driver (CDL)s
DRIVER
- Education: No education required
- Experience: No experience
- Exam: State exam required
- Continuing education: Undetermined
Issuing agency: Illinois Racing Board · agency website
OWNER/TRAINER/DRIVER
- Education: No education required
- Experience: No experience
- Exam: State exam required
- Continuing education: Undetermined
Issuing agency: Illinois Racing Board · agency website
COMMERCIAL DRIVER (TRUCK AND BUS OPERATOR)
- Education: Specific course required
- Experience: No experience
- Exam: State exam required
- Continuing education: Continuing education required
Issuing agency: Illinois Secretary of State Department of Driver Services · agency website
Commercial Drivers License (CDL)
- Education: No education required
- Experience: No experience
- Exam: State exam required
- Continuing education: No continuing education requirement
Issuing agency: Driver Services Department · agency website
Source: CareerOneStop License Finder (U.S. Department of Labor). Time spent in a registered apprenticeship generally counts toward license experience requirements.