1

Cdl Instructor Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Cdl Instructor information

See Michigan salary details

$12

$21

$30

How much do cdl instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for cdl instructor in Michigan is $21.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $23.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the common challenges CDL Instructors face when training new drivers, and how can they be addressed?

CDL Instructors often encounter challenges such as varying skill levels among students, language barriers, and ensuring that all trainees understand and adhere to safety regulations. Managing a classroom with diverse backgrounds requires strong communication and adaptability. To address these challenges, instructors typically use a combination of hands-on demonstrations, clear instructions, and individualized coaching. Additionally, fostering a supportive learning environment helps students feel comfortable asking questions and making progress at their own pace.

Can you make money as a driving instructor?

A CDL instructor can earn income through teaching commercial drivers, with earnings depending on experience, location, and the number of students taught. Many instructors work full-time or part-time, and some may supplement income by offering private lessons or working for driving schools. Certification and a good reputation can also influence earning potential.

How much money do CDL instructors make?

CDL instructors typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. They often work full-time schedules and may need certifications such as a commercial driver's license and instructor credentials.

What is the difference between Cdl Instructor vs Truck Driver?

AspectCdl InstructorTruck Driver
Required CertificationsCommercial Driver's License (CDL), Instructor CertificationCommercial Driver's License (CDL)
Work EnvironmentTraining schools, classrooms, driving rangesOn the road, freight yards, delivery routes
Employer & Industry UsageTraining institutions, trucking schoolsTransportation companies, freight carriers

While both roles require a CDL license, a Cdl Instructor focuses on teaching and training new drivers in a classroom or controlled environment, whereas a Truck Driver operates commercial vehicles on the road for transportation and delivery. The instructor role emphasizes education and safety training, while the driver role emphasizes logistics and operational skills.

How much do truck driver instructors make in the US?

Truck driver instructors in the US typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. They often hold commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) and may teach at driving schools or training programs, with some earning additional pay for overtime or specialized instruction.

What Does a CDL Instructor Do?

A commercial driver’s license (CDL) is required for drivers who want to operate trucks, buses, and other large vehicles. A CDL instructor teaches students how to operate these vehicles and pass the CDL exam. In this role, you work with students both in the classroom and on the road. Your job duties focus on teaching them to operate a vehicle safely in a structured area as well as on public roads, and to learn the skills necessary to pass their state’s CDL exam. CDL instructors must earn certification before they begin teaching at a truck driving school or vocational college.

What are the requirements to be a CDL instructor?

To become a CDL instructor, candidates typically need a valid commercial driver's license with the appropriate endorsements, several years of driving experience, and a clean driving record. Additionally, they often must complete a certified instructor training program and pass a state or federal instructor exam. Some states may also require background checks and CPR certification.

What are CDL Instructors?

CDL Instructors are professional trainers who teach students how to safely operate commercial motor vehicles, such as trucks and buses, in order to obtain their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). They provide both classroom instruction on regulations, safety, and vehicle systems, as well as hands-on training behind the wheel. CDL Instructors are responsible for preparing students to pass written and skills exams required by state and federal agencies. Their role is crucial in ensuring new drivers are competent and compliant with transportation laws.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a CDL Instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a CDL Instructor, you need a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), extensive driving experience, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with commercial vehicle operation, Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, and training aids or simulators is essential. Patience, strong communication, and the ability to provide constructive feedback are key soft skills for effectively teaching diverse learners. These skills ensure that future commercial drivers are trained safely and competently, supporting public safety and regulatory compliance.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cdl Instructor jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Cdl Instructor jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Cdl Instructor jobs in Michigan? For Cdl Instructor jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Cdl Instructor jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Cdl Instructor job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Cdl Instructor jobs in MI? For Cdl Instructor jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Cdl Instructor job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,090 per year, or $21.2 per hour.
Part Time Instructor - CDL

Part Time Instructor - CDL

Alpena Community College

Alpena, MI • On-site

$19 - $24.50/hr

Part-time

Retirement

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Category
Part Time Instructor
Description
This position will teach Commercial Driver License (CDL) courses, including classroom, range, and behind-the-wheel instruction, in support of Alpena Community College's Commercial Driver License training program.
Part-Time Faculty normally teach one or two courses per semester. Teaching assignments may be available for day, evening, and weekend courses. Compensation is based on the total contact hours taught per semester, starting at $644 per contact hour. Benefits include State of Michigan retirement plan, tuition waiver, and free membership to the ACC Wellness Center.
In addition, instructors providing individualized behind-the-wheel driving instruction may receive a $500 per student stipend for approximately 12-15 hours of individual drive time instruction, documentation, and evaluation completed in accordance with applicable State of Michigan and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements.
Position Responsibilities:
  1. Teach lecture, laboratory, range, and behind-the-wheel portions of CDL courses.
  2. Deliver instruction in compliance with applicable State of Michigan, FMCSA, and ELDT requirements.
  3. Prepare and distribute course syllabi and instructional materials to students.
  4. Perform all preparation requirements for classroom, range, and driving exercises.
  5. Evaluate student progress through examinations, quizzes, observations, skills assessments, and driving evaluations.
  6. Maintain accurate student training documentation and records as required for ELDT compliance and college reporting.
  7. Act as liaison between the college and students.
  8. Implement curriculum changes at the request of the Department Chairperson or Lead Instructor, as assigned.
  9. Maintain appropriate instructional vehicles, laboratories, equipment, and training areas.
  10. Be available for individual student assistance, advising, and consultation as necessary.
  11. Participate in curriculum development, revisions, evaluation activities, and program improvement efforts.
  12. Maintain a high level of academic and industry competency through professional development and regulatory updates.
  13. Other duties as assigned by the Department Chairperson and the Vice President for Instruction.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Supervisory Responsibilities: This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
Expected Hours of Work: Part-time instructors who do not maintain office hours should include a statement within the syllabus explaining how a student can arrange for an appointment with the instructor. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.
Travel: This position may be required to travel outside the local area depending on the course location. Mileage reimbursement may be available. Refer to the Part-Time Faculty Handbook.
Work Environment: This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.
Physical Effort: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit for extended periods of time; and have sufficient hand, arm and finger dexterity to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment.
Position Requirements
Position Qualifications:
  1. Current Class A Commercial Driver License (CDL-A) with no restrictions required.
  2. Minimum driving and safety experience consistent with State of Michigan and FMCSA ELDT instructor expectations preferred.
  3. Teaching experience in higher education, workforce development, or employer-based training preferred.
  4. Strong working knowledge of instructional methods and adult learning principles preferred.
  5. Computer competency in word processing, instructional software, online instruction, and student recordkeeping preferred.
  6. Knowledge of FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations and Michigan CDL requirements preferred.
  7. Curriculum development experience, especially online or hybrid curriculum development, preferred.

Full-Time/Part-Time
Part-Time
Shift
Various Shifts
Close Date
Open Date
5/18/2026
Location
Alpena Community College - Alpena Campus
About the Organization
Alpena Community College is located in Northeast Michigan on the beautiful shoreline of Lake Huron. ACC offers two-year degrees, one-year certificates, customized corporate training, and community education to all of Northeast Michigan. Each semester, ACC attracts more than 2,000 students of diverse ages, backgrounds, and academic goals. Smaller class sizes, affordable tuition, and the convenience of two campus locations and online courses, make Alpena Community College a great choice whether you are starting college for the first time, or coming back to school for a new career or additional training. At ACC, you can work on a college degree or acquire specific skills in a number of fields to move you forward in your occupation, plus the courses you complete can be transferred to a four-year college or university.
Vocational/technical programs, distance learning programs, dual-enrollment, cooperative on-campus four-year degree programs and continuing education courses are all available right here, in Northeast Michigan.
EOE Statement
The College policies and practices for admission, employment, and activities comply with requirements of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA), the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) of 1990 and the ADA Amendments Act of 2010; Title II of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008. The College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sex, age, or disability. The College practices and policies also comply with the Michigan Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act (PDCRA) and the Michigan Elliott-Larson Civil Rights Act (ELCRA) which prohibits discrimination in hiring based on age, height, weight, and marital status and familial status in addition to race, color, religion, sex (which includes pregnancy) and national origin.
Alpena Community College prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. The Notice of Nondiscrimination is located at www.alpenacc.edu.
This position is currently accepting applications.