When people think about getting a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), they often picture long-haul truck drivers. But the truth is — many skilled trade careers require or strongly recommend a CDL to operate heavy vehicles and equipment safely.
From construction and utility work to waste management and tree care, having a CDL can be your ticket to better pay, more opportunities, and faster career growth.
Here are the top 12 trades where earning a Class A or Class B CDL can make all the difference — and why it’s smart to get one before you even start.
1. Electrical Linemen
CDL Required: Often Class B
Linemen operate bucket trucks, digger derricks, and heavy equipment to install or repair power lines. While climbing poles gets the spotlight, driving and maneuvering large utility trucks is an essential part of the job.
Starting salary average: Entry level linemen (zero-to-five years experience) earn around $52,350/year on average.
Why it matters: You won’t even get into most apprenticeships without a CDL — and driving the truck is the easiest part of the job.
2. Construction and Heavy Equipment Operators
CDL Required: Class A or B
Operators use flatbeds or lowboys to haul bulldozers, excavators, and skid steers between job sites.
Starting salary average: For equipment operators, the average salary is around $58,419/year in the U.S. (with entry-level somewhat less).
Why it matters: A CDL makes you more versatile, letting you transport your own equipment instead of waiting on others.
3. Road Maintenance and Paving Crews
CDL Required: Class B
If you’ve ever seen a dump truck, asphalt roller, or snow plow on a job site — those are all CDL vehicles.
Starting salary average: Road maintenance / highway maintenance workers start in the range of $40,000-$50,000/year.
Why it matters: Municipal and state DOT jobs often require a CDL for year-round work, from summer paving to winter snow removal.
4. Waste Management and Recycling
CDL Required: Class B
Garbage, recycling, and roll-off trucks are all commercial vehicles.
Starting salary average: Waste-management drivers make around $55,000-$65,000/year on average.
Why it matters: A CDL can help you advance into driver-operator positions, which typically pay more than entry-level roles.
5. HVAC Technicians
CDL Recommended: Sometimes Class B
Large HVAC service vehicles often exceed weight limits for non-commercial drivers, especially when hauling refrigerants or generators.
Starting salary average: Specific data for HVAC technicians with CDLs is less available, but many service technician roles begin around $45,000-$55,000/year (with significant upside).
Why it matters: A CDL gives you access to higher-paying fleet or service manager positions.
6. Oil, Gas, and Pipeline Workers
CDL Required: Class A
Pipeline and drilling operations depend on heavy equipment transport.
Starting salary average: Entry-level for many utility transport roles can start in the $50,000-$60,000/year range, with the potential for higher pay with certifications.
Why it matters: CDL holders can move materials independently — a huge advantage on remote or high-demand projects.
7. Telecommunications and Fiber Optic Technicians
CDL Recommended: Often Class B
Crews setting up fiber networks rely on bucket trucks and trailers.
Starting salary average: While specific median numbers for technicians with CDLs vary, field technicians often start around $45,000/year, with fleet-capable techs earning more.
Why it matters: A CDL expands your role and allows you to take on more technical field work.
8. Tree Service and Arborists
CDL Required: Class B
Tree service companies operate bucket trucks, dump trucks, and log loaders.
Starting salary average: Arborist/ tree service drivers with CDL credentials often start around $45,000-$55,000/year, with opportunity for overtime and hazardous work premiums.
Why it matters: CDL-certified arborists can perform both ground and equipment operations, boosting efficiency and pay.
9. Tow Truck Operators
CDL Required: Class A
Heavy-duty tow trucks exceed 26,000 pounds — and recovery work often involves commercial vehicles.
Starting salary average: Tow truck operator roles vary widely, but many start near $50,000/year with potential for $60,000+ with heavy recovery and overtime.
Why it matters: A CDL allows operators to expand into high-paying heavy recovery and fleet towing jobs.
10. Cement and Ready-Mix Truck Drivers
CDL Required: Class B
Cement mixers and concrete delivery trucks are commercial vehicles.
Starting salary average: Concrete truck drivers often start around $50,000/year, with higher pay for union or specialized roles.
Why it matters: The construction industry offers steady CDL work year-round in concrete delivery.
11. Utility and Public Works Employees
CDL Required: Class B (sometimes A)
Public works departments use CDL vehicles for everything from road repair to snow removal.
Starting salary average: Starting pay for CDL-capable public-works roles often begins around $45,000-$50,000/year.
Why it matters: Having a CDL can help you move up in city or county maintenance departments.
12. Agriculture and Landscaping
CDL Recommended: Class A
Farmers and landscapers often transport heavy loads, equipment, and trailers.
Starting salary average: Transport-oriented roles in agriculture can begin around $45,000/year, with potential for more if driving seasonal or cross-state loads.
Why it matters: A CDL helps avoid hiring outside haulers, saving costs and adding flexibility to your operation.
Why Getting Your CDL First Pays Off
Even if your trade doesn’t require it right away, earning your CDL early gives you a major head start.
- Stand out from other applicants for apprenticeships and jobs
- Qualify for more roles — including leadership and driver-operator positions
- Command higher wages due to added versatility and legal driving ability
- Expand your career options across multiple industries
Free Permit Prep Class: Need to get your CDL permit before training starts? Take our 2 day class that covers everything you need to know so you can pass the CDL permit test at your local DMV or PennDOT. See the dates here.
Why Choose CNS Driver Training Center
At CNS Driver Training Center, we help students and trade professionals earn their Class A or Class B CDL through hands-on, FMCSA-approved training.
Many trade schools or lineman programs don’t include CDL training to keep tuition low — but without it, you’ll face limited job options.
That’s where we come in.
We offer:
- Real truck training (not simulators)
- Flexible scheduling to fit your work or apprenticeship prep
- Affordable tuition and financing options
- One-on-one instruction with industry-experienced trainers
- Career-focused programs designed for the trades
If you’re serious about a career in the trades — whether as a lineman, heavy equipment operator, or tree care professional — earning your CDL is the best first move you can make.
Enroll today at CNS Driver Training Center, give us a call at 717-496-9145 or email us at support@cnstrains.com.
