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In order to work in the trucking industry, you will need to get a license.
The field is varied and you can get hired as a commercial driver or as a diesel mechanic.
Let’s have a look at the schools where you can train if you live in Minnesota.
Article Table of Contents
Schools in Minnesota
This state has 13 schools that provide trucking programs.
Although the tuition is quite affordable, you can enroll in a school and have your costs covered if you apply for a scholarship.
For example, The Minnesota Trucking Association offers such scholarships regardless of the program you choose.
You can choose between the Truck Driving School Fund, the Diesel Technician Fund, and the General Studies Fund.
Choosing the Right Program
After checking the schools, you will have to choose the program that suits your needs best.
Keep in mind some schools have longer programs than others and the length depends on the specialization you opt for.
If you go for a diesel technology program, you should be prepared to attend a program that lasts a year or 2.
However, truck driving courses are much shorter and you can finish one in 4 to 8 weeks.
Most of these offer a Class A commercial driving certification.
Check out Riverland Community College, a school that offers a 2-year long diesel technology course and an associate’s degree.
One of the shorter programs is offered by Minnesota State College—Southeast Technical.
The school has a truck driving program that only lasts 2 months.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Alexandria Technical College | 1601 Jefferson St, Alexandria, MN 56308, USA |
| Central Lakes College | 501 West College Drive, Brainerd, MN 56401 |
| Century College | 3300 Century Ave. North, White Bear Lake, MN 55110 |
| Dakota County Tech College | 1300 145th Street East, Rosemount, MN 55068 |
| Heavy Metal Truck Training | 10341 Dalton Ave NE, Monticello, MN 55362 |
| Heavy Metal Truck Training | 11098 Clark Road, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077 |
| Hibbing Community College | 11098 Clark Road, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077, USA |
| Interstate Truck Driving School | 499 Villaume Ave, South St Paul, MN 55075 |
| Lake Superior College | 2101 Trinity Rd, Duluth, MN 55811 |
| Minnesota West Community & Technical College | 1314 N Hiawatha Ave., Pipestone MN 56164 |
| Riverland Community College | 1900 Eighth Ave NW, Austin, MN 55912 |
| Southeast Technical | 1250 Homer Road, Winona, MN 55987, USA |
| St Cloud Technical & Community College | 1540 Northway Drive, St Cloud, MN 56303 |
| Transportation Center for Excellence | 2755 Highway 55 Suite 200, Eagan, MN 55121 |
Another aspect to consider when choosing a school is the class size.
Small classes give you a chance of more personalized training with your instructor as well as more interaction.
You can also attend a higher number of driving hours which will help you improve your skills faster.
Starting a Truck Driving Career
After getting your certification, it is time to look for job opportunities.
One solution to this would be enrolling in a school that provides job placement to its students.
This will save you time as you could get employed by the same company you trained at, straight after school.
If you are looking for a company to apply to, look into Viessman Trucking, C.R. England, and MCT Transportation LLC.
With a truck driving license, you can work for any trucking company, repair shop, and dealership.
The trucking industry is also a growing field.
O*Net reports a 23% growth for commercial truck drivers in the 10 year period between 2012 and 2022.
Diesel technology jobs will see a 14% increase within the same time period.
The money will be earning will vary based on your level of experience and specialization.
On average, truck drivers in Minnesota make about $45,242 annually, while those in the top 10% earn about $52,432 annually.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Minneapolis | $47,033 |
| Saint Paul | $47,033 |
| Rochester | $42,832 |
| Duluth | $41,948 |
| Saint Cloud | $41,717 |
| Lakeville | $46,742 |
| Eden Prairie | $46,954 |
| Burnsville | $46,901 |
| Minnetonka | $47,033 |
| Moorhead | $41,492 |
Regional Salary in Minnesota
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duluth, MN-WI | 1,960 | $60,900 | $29.28 | $77,040 | $44,190 |
| Mankato-North Mankato, MN | 800 | $57,790 | $27.79 | $87,380 | $40,060 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | 22,190 | $62,000 | $29.81 | $80,660 | $46,840 |
| Rochester, MN | 1,280 | $59,610 | $28.66 | $81,220 | $44,510 |
| St. Cloud, MN | 1,950 | $57,890 | $27.83 | $77,790 | $42,690 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Conclusion
Getting a license in the trucking field is not complicated, as well as your study and take your career seriously.
After your training is completed, you can easily get hired and start your life on the road.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Truck Driver
CDL Schools by State