Heavy Truck Driver in Plymouth, MN

As a career analyst who’s navigated the roads of the Twin Cities for years, I can tell you that Plymouth isn't the first place most heavy truck drivers think of when looking at Minnesota. It’s not a major freight hub like Minneapolis or St. Paul, and it doesn’t have the sprawling industrial zones of the southern metro. But that’s exactly what makes it a unique proposition. It’s a stable, affluent suburb with a surprising amount of logistics activity, excellent highway access, and a high quality of life. If you’re an OTR (over-the-road) driver looking for a home base or a local driver wanting a less chaotic, safer commute than downtown, Plymouth deserves a hard look.

This guide is built on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), and local market analysis. Let’s break down the real numbers and the on-the-ground realities of heavy truck driving in Plymouth, MN.

The Salary Picture: Where Plymouth Stands

In the heavy haul world, your pay is a function of experience, endorsements, and the specific type of driving you do. Plymouth’s market is stable, but it’s not a high-flying hub like some industrial areas. It’s a market for steady, reliable drivers.

The median salary for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in the Plymouth metro area is $53,806/year, with a median hourly rate of $25.87/hour. This is just above the national average of $53,090/year, which is a solid starting point. It suggests that while you won’t find the absolute top-tier OTR salaries here (which can be found in specialized long-haul niches), the local market pays fairly and consistently.

Here’s a more granular look at what you can expect based on experience in this specific market:

Experience Level	Typical Years in Field	Estimated Annual Salary Range (Plymouth Metro)	Key Local Employers Seeking This Level
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$45,000 - $55,000	Smaller local carriers, food distribution, beverage delivery
Mid-Career	2-7 years	$55,000 - $68,000	Regional carriers, manufacturing supply (Tech, Medical), bulk haul
Senior Driver	7-15 years	$68,000 - $80,000+	Dedicated accounts, specialized equipment (flatbed, tanker)
Expert/Specialist	15+ years	$80,000 - $100,000+	Owner-operators, specialized freight (oversized, hazmat)

Plymouth vs. Other MN Cities:
Plymouth sits in a middle tier. It’s not as high-paying as the Twin Cities core (Minneapolis/St. Paul), where competition for drivers is fierce and costs are higher. However, it’s generally more stable and often has better benefits than more rural areas. The key advantage of Plymouth is its location: it’s a 20-30 minute drive to the major freight hubs of Minneapolis (near I-94/I-35W) and St. Paul (I-94/I-35E) without the headache of city driving. Many drivers who work for companies based in Minneapolis live in Plymouth for the better housing and schools.

Insider Tip: The $53,806 median is a baseline. With a Hazmat endorsement and a clean record, you can push this toward the $65,000 mark quickly, especially if you find a dedicated route for a medical device company or a tech parts distributor.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your monthly budget. A median salary of $53,806 sounds decent, but Minnesota’s state income tax is around 5.35-9.85%, and federal taxes will take their chunk. After taxes, your take-home pay is roughly $3,600 - $3,800 per month.

Now, let’s look at housing. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Plymouth is $1,201/month. This is higher than the national average, aligning with the fact that Plymouth has a higher cost of living index of 104.5 (US avg = 100). It’s a desirable suburb, and you pay for it.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Median Earned Driver in Plymouth:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Net Take-Home Pay	$3,700	After federal & MN state taxes
Rent (1BR)	$1,201	Major expense, but stable market
Utilities (Heat, Elec, etc.)	$150 - $250	MN winters are real; heating is a factor
Groceries	$350	Average for a single person or couple
Car Payment/Insurance	$400 - $600	Critical for drivers; insurance can be higher
Fuel (Personal Vehicle)	$150 - $250	Depends on commute, but can be low if working from home base
Health Insurance	$200 - $400	Often covered by employer, but variable
Miscellaneous/Entertainment	$300	Netflix, eating out, etc.
SAVINGS	$350 - $500	This is your buffer. It’s there, but it’s not lavish.

Can they afford to buy a home?
With a median salary of $53,806 and current mortgage rates, buying a single-family home in Plymouth is a stretch for a solo driver. The median home price in Plymouth is well over $400,000. A 20% down payment would be over $80,000. With a monthly take-home of $3,700, a mortgage payment (including taxes, insurance, PMI) could easily exceed $2,200/month—a huge portion of your income.

Verdict: A driver earning the median can afford a comfortable apartment or a shared rental, but purchasing a home in Plymouth on a single income is likely not feasible without significant savings or a dual-income household. However, compared to Minneapolis or Edina (where home prices are even higher), Plymouth is one of the more attainable suburbs for middle-income professionals.

Where the Jobs Are: Plymouth's Major Employers

Plymouth’s economy is diverse, and so are its driving jobs. You won’t find massive, single-employer trucking terminals like in industrial parks, but you will find a network of medium-sized companies, distribution centers, and local delivery needs. The Jobs in Metro number is 310, which is a solid, stable pool of opportunities.

Here are the key local employers and sectors to target:

1. Plymouth-based Distribution Centers: Companies like PepsiCo and Sysco have significant distribution operations in the western metro. They hire for local delivery drivers (often Class B) and for regional haulers who take full trailers to other distribution points. These are steady, predictable jobs with daytime hours.
2. Medical Device Logistics: The Twin Cities are a global hub for medical technology (Medtronic is headquartered in nearby Fridley). Plymouth has numerous small-to-midsize medical logistics and supply companies. These jobs often require specialized handling, clean credentials, and sometimes Hazmat endorsements. Pay is typically at the mid-to-senior level.
3. Local Construction & Materials: With ongoing residential and commercial construction in the area, companies like Graham Construction or Cemstone (concrete) regularly hire drivers for dump trucks and ready-mix vehicles. These jobs are seasonal but pay well.
4. Waste Management & Recycling: Waste Management and Republic Services have routes based out of Plymouth. These are physically demanding local jobs with early starts, but they offer strong benefits and union positions.
5. Regional Carriers with Plymouth Accounts: Many regional carriers (like Koch Transport or C.R. England) have dedicated accounts for clients in the Plymouth area (e.g., delivering parts to Boston Scientific facilities or General Mills warehouses). These are OTR or regional jobs where you start and end your week in Plymouth.
6. Grocery & Retail Logistics: Target’s corporate headquarters is in Minneapolis, but their major distribution network is in the metro. Drivers often live in Plymouth and run regional routes for Target, Cub Foods, or other retailers.

Hiring Trends: The market is competitive but stable. The 10-year job growth of 4% is modest but positive, indicating steady demand rather than explosive growth. Employers are struggling to find drivers with clean records and good work history. A clean MVR (Motor Vehicle Record) and a solid work history are your biggest assets here.

Getting Licensed in MN

Minnesota’s licensing process is straightforward but has specific steps. You must have a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) before you can get your CDL.

Requirements & Costs:

• CDL Class A: Required for combinations of vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001+ lbs, and the towed unit is over 10,000 lbs. This is the standard for tractor-trailer drivers.
• Fees: The CLP and CDL permit fees are minimal (under $50). The real cost is your training. A reputable CDL school in the Twin Cities area costs between $3,500 and $6,000. Some employers, like large carriers, offer tuition reimbursement after you sign a contract.
• Endorsements (Crucial for Higher Pay):
  • "N" Tanker: For hauling liquids. Adds significant value.
  • "H" Hazmat: For hazardous materials. Requires a federal background check and TSA approval. This can boost pay by 10-20%.
  • "X" Tanker/Hazmat Combo: The most valuable endorsement.
• Medical Certification: You must pass a DOT physical with a certified medical examiner. Cost is typically $100 - $150.

Timeline:

1. Study & Get Your CLP: 2-4 weeks of study.
2. CDL School: 4-8 weeks of intensive training.
3. Skills Test & Road Test: Schedule with a third-party tester. Can take 1-3 weeks.
4. Total Time: From zero to licensed can be done in 3-4 months.

Insider Tip: Minnesota has a great network of community and technical colleges (like Hennepin Technical College or Dunwoody College of Technology) that offer CDL programs. Their certifications are highly regarded by local employers and often come with better job placement services than standalone private schools.

Best Neighborhoods for Heavy Truck Drivers in Plymouth

Where you live in Plymouth affects your commute, safety, and access to amenities. As a driver, you want easy access to highways (MN-55, I-494, I-94) and neighborhoods with good parking and lower crime.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Average 1BR Rent	Why It’s Good for Truck Drivers
Glen Lake Area	Quiet, residential, lots of families. Commute to major highways is 5-10 mins.	$1,150 - $1,250	Very safe, easy parking. Close to I-494 for quick access to St. Paul or Minneapolis. Low crime.
Medley	Modern, upscale apartments and townhomes. Near the Plymouth Community Center.	$1,250 - $1,450	Excellent amenities (pool, gym), but rent is higher. Great for drivers who work out of their home base and want comfort.
East Plymouth	More established, single-family homes. Closer to the Minneapolis border (near Crystal).	$1,100 - $1,200 (for older 1BRs)	Best highway access. You can be on I-494 or MN-55 in minutes. More affordable rent in older complexes.
North Plymouth	Mix of older homes and apartments. Near the Plymouth Creek Center.	$1,050 - $1,150	Close to US-169, a key north-south artery. Good for drivers who run routes to the northern metro or towards Eden Prairie.
Downtown Plymouth	Walkable, small-town feel. Limited parking for large trucks.	$1,100 - $1,300	Not ideal for a driver with a personal semi-truck or large pickup. Better if you drive a smaller work vehicle or are a local delivery driver.

Insider Tip: If you have a personal semi-truck or a large pickup you use for work, the East Plymouth or Glen Lake areas are your best bet. They have more space, easier street parking, and older apartment complexes that are more accommodating to large vehicles. Always check the parking policy before signing a lease.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 4% tells us this is a mature, stable industry. You won’t see explosive growth, but you will see evolution. To advance and increase your earnings in Plymouth, you need to specialize.

Specialty Premiums:

• Hazmat/Tanker (X Endorsement): As mentioned, this can be a 10-20% pay bump. It’s the single biggest lever for a driver in this market.
• Flatbed: While less common in Plymouth’s core, flatbed drivers who can secure loads for the manufacturing and construction sectors can earn $65,000+.
• Dedicated Accounts: Securing a dedicated route (e.g., a single client, same run every week) provides stability and often a higher hourly rate due to predictability for the company.

Advancement Paths:

1. Driver → Trainer: Many local carriers need experienced drivers to train new hires. This adds a premium to your hourly pay.
2. Driver → Dispatcher/Scheduler: After several years, some drivers move into office roles, leveraging their route knowledge.
3. Driver → Owner-Operator: The ultimate goal. With a strong credit history and a down payment, you can lease a truck and work under a company like KLLM or Barr-Nunn that has a presence in the upper Midwest. This is high-risk, high-reward.

10-Year Outlook: Demand will remain steady. The rise of e-commerce will continue to drive last-mile and regional delivery needs. However, the rise of autonomous trucking on long-haul routes is a future consideration. In a metro like Plymouth, with complex urban and suburban routes, human drivers will be essential for the foreseeable future. The key is to stay adaptable and get the endorsements that keep you in high demand for local and regional work.

The Verdict: Is Plymouth Right for You?

Pros of Plymouth	Cons of Plymouth
Stable Job Market: 310 jobs, 4% growth means steady opportunity.	High Cost of Living: Rent and home prices are above the national average.
Excellent Highway Access: Easy to get to I-494, I-94, MN-55, US-169.	Not a Major Freight Hub: You may need to commute to Minneapolis for the best OTR jobs.
High Quality of Life: Low crime, great schools, clean.	Limited "Big Pay" OTC: The highest salaries are in specialized long-haul, not local.
Diverse Employers: From medical to food to manufacturing.	Competitive for Housing: Good apartments get rented quickly.
Good Work-Life Balance Potential: Many local/regional jobs allow home time.	Winters Can Be Harsh: Driving in snow and ice is a real part of the job.

Final Recommendation:
Plymouth is an excellent choice for mid-career to senior heavy truck drivers who are looking for stability, a family-friendly environment, and a balance between driving and home life. It’s not the best choice for a brand-new driver who needs to grind out long-haul miles to pay off debt, nor is it for someone chasing the absolute highest OTR salary.

If you have a few years of experience, a clean record, and your Hazmat endorsement, Plymouth offers a quality of life that is hard to beat. You can earn a solid median salary of $53,806, live in a safe neighborhood, and have a manageable commute. For the right driver, it’s a hidden gem in the Minnesota landscape.

FAQs

1. Do I need my own truck to drive in Plymouth?
No. The vast majority of driving jobs in Plymouth are for company drivers. You will operate the company’s equipment. Owner-operators can find work, but they need to secure their own clients or lease onto a carrier.

2. How is the parking situation for trucks in Plymouth?
It’s better than Minneapolis. Most residential areas have street parking, but you must check with your apartment complex. For local routes, many employers have dedicated yards. For OTR drivers, you’ll usually start/end your week at a company yard in a suburban industrial park.

3. What’s the best way to find a driving job in Plymouth?
Use a mix of sources: Indeed.com (filter for Plymouth), Minnesota Trucking Association job board, and direct applications to the employers listed above (Pepsi, Sysco, local car dealerships for linehaul, etc.). Networking with other drivers at local truck stops (like the Love’s in Rogers, just north) is also effective.

4. Is it worth getting the Hazmat endorsement?
Absolutely. In the Twin Cities metro, including Plymouth, there are numerous medical device, chemical