Diesel Tech vs CDL Driver
Side-by-side salary, job growth, and training comparison for 2026
Diesel Tech
$54,690
National Median Salary
Total Jobs300,000
Annual Openings28,100
Training1-2 yr certificate
CDL Driver
$54,320
National Median Salary
Total Jobs2,100,000
Annual Openings231,100
Training3-6 wk CDL program
Metric
Diesel Tech
CDL Driver
Median Salary National, BLS 2023 | $54,690* | $54,320 |
Total Jobs Current employment | 300,000 | 2,100,000* |
Annual Job Openings New + replacement | 28,100 | 231,100* |
Training Time | 1-2 yr certificate | 3-6 wk CDL program |
* indicates higher/better value. Source: BLS OES 2023.
Top States for Diesel Techs
Alaska$79,870
Washington$74,320
Connecticut$71,450
Wyoming$70,120
California$68,790
Top States for CDL Drivers
Alaska$77,890
Wyoming$67,430
Washington$64,120
North Dakota$63,450
California$62,780