Auto Tech vs CDL Driver
Side-by-side salary, job growth, and training comparison for 2026
Auto Tech
$47,770
National Median Salary
Total Jobs794,600
Annual Openings69,000
Training1-2 yr certificate
CDL Driver
$54,320
National Median Salary
Total Jobs2,100,000
Annual Openings231,100
Training3-6 wk CDL program
Metric
Auto Tech
CDL Driver
Median Salary National, BLS 2023 | $47,770 | $54,320* |
Total Jobs Current employment | 794,600 | 2,100,000* |
Annual Job Openings New + replacement | 69,000 | 231,100* |
Training Time | 1-2 yr certificate | 3-6 wk CDL program |
* indicates higher/better value. Source: BLS OES 2023.
Top States for Auto Techs
Alaska$68,430
Washington$62,180
Connecticut$61,340
Hawaii$60,780
California$59,230
Top States for CDL Drivers
Alaska$77,890
Wyoming$67,430
Washington$64,120
North Dakota$63,450
California$62,780