A 2024 International ProStar stretches more than 70 feet across a near-empty parking lot at Chemeketa Community College's Salem campus.

Students in the August CDL class climbed behind the wheel on their first day, July 31, practicing simple turns under the guidance of instructor Patrick Chappell.

"This is what we do first day of class," Chappell told Salem Reporter, which visited the program last week.

The scene captures what Chemeketa is selling to Salem families: a four-week, 160-hour path to a Commercial Driver License and a job that pays a median $61,980 a year in Oregon, according to May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics data. That's above the national median of $58,640 and ranks Oregon among the top 10 states for trucker pay.

What the program costs

Tuition is $6,250 as of July 2026, up from $5,500 last September. That's a $750 increase. Add at least $215 in pre-training fees for a DOT drug screen, physical exam, learner's permit and knowledge tests, plus $460 to $524 in post-training CDL testing and licensing costs.

The program isn't eligible for Chemeketa's standard financial aid, but students can apply for a WorkSource Oregon Vocational Scholarship, the Future Ready Oregon grant (60 spots available through Chemeketa) or the STEP program. Several trucking companies also offer sign-on bonuses or tuition reimbursement.

How it works

The 160 hours break into three courses: a 40-hour introduction to professional truck driving and logistics, 80 hours of practical applications and an additional 40 hours focused on transportation customer service skills.

Classes run Monday through Thursday or Monday through Friday, starting at 7 or 8 a.m.

Applicants need a valid driver's license with at least one year of experience, must be at least 18 (21 to cross state lines), and must pass a DOT physical and drug screening. DMV knowledge tests are administered in English only.

Demand is there

Chemeketa's program page cites nearly 400 truck driver openings annually in the Mid-Valley from job growth and retirements. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 4% national growth for heavy-truck drivers from 2024 to 2034, with about 237,600 openings expected each year nationwide.

In 2022, Chemeketa partnered with Willamette Workforce Partnership and WorkSource Oregon to offer free CDL training for 30 candidates from underserved communities.

Whether that specific free-training arrangement remains active is unclear; current financial assistance runs through the scholarship and grant programs listed above.

What's next

January through July 2026 classes filled up. As of Wednesday, Aug. 5, the September, October, November and December classes are accepting applications on a first-come, first-served basis. Students who secure a later spot are automatically placed on the alternate list for earlier openings unless they opt out.

Interested residents can reach the program office at 503-584-7537 or [email protected].