Truck Driver Jobs in Rochester, MN

Rochester is a medium-demand market for truck drivers with a metro population of 225K metro. Major employers in the area include Mayo Clinic Logistics, IBM Rochester, McNeilus Truck & Manufacturing, Olmsted Medical Center. Key freight corridors like US-52 North-South Route keep loads moving consistently. Across Minnesota, there are approximately 38,000+ active truck drivers. Very strong — the Destination Medical Center project is driving $5.6B in construction over 20 years, with hotel, research, and transit projects generating steady materials freight. Mayo Clinic expanding its campus with a new research building and logistics center.

Truck drivers in the Rochester area typically earn $53,000 - $80,000 annually, depending on equipment type, experience, and routes. The cost of living in Rochester is 3% above national average, meaning your take-home pay stretches further here. The statewide average for Minnesota is $52,000 - $75,000. Actual earnings depend on your equipment, lane selection, and weekly miles. Typical weekly miles: Local: 500-800 | Regional: 1,600-2,000 | OTR: 2,400-2,800.

Major carriers and logistics companies hiring in Rochester include Mayo Clinic Logistics, IBM Rochester, McNeilus Truck & Manufacturing, Olmsted Medical Center. These companies hire CDL-A, CDL-B, and non-CDL drivers for a variety of positions — from local delivery to OTR routes. Key industries driving freight demand include healthcare and medical research and pharmaceutical logistics. O Trucking connects you with loads from these carriers and many others, letting you choose which freight to haul.

Key freight corridors near Rochester include US-52 North-South Route, US-63 South Route, I-90 East-West Corridor. These routes carry agriculture and manufacturing freight and provide consistent load availability for local, regional, and OTR drivers. Nearby trucking hubs include Minneapolis, MN (80 mi via US-52) and La Crosse, WI (70 mi via I-90), giving you multiple directional options for outbound loads.

CDL training facilities near Rochester include Rochester Community College CDL and Southeast Minnesota CDL Academy. Most CDL-A programs take 3-7 weeks to complete and cost $3,000-7,000. Some programs offer financing or payment plans. Once you have your CDL, apply with O Trucking and start driving within 48 hours — no weeks of mandatory orientation.

No — your CDL works in all 50 states, and many drivers based elsewhere run loads into and out of Rochester. However, living near Rochester gives you access to local routes (home nightly) and lets you build relationships with area shippers and receivers. Rochester's cost of living is 3% above national average, which is worth factoring into your decision. If Rochester isn't your home base, we can still match you with freight that routes through the area.

The top equipment types for Rochester are: Reefer, Box truck, Flatbed, Dry van. Reefer — pharmaceutical and medical specimen cold chain for Mayo Clinic. The agriculture sector drives specialized equipment demand. Tell us your equipment type and we'll show you what's available.

Limited — Kwik Trip on US-63 south of town is the main option. No major chain truck stops within Rochester. Drivers serving Mayo typically use the staging lot on 2nd Street SW or the industrial area on South Broadway. Diesel prices in Rochester match Twin Cities metro rates — $0.05-0.10/gal above national average. Best prices at the truck-friendly Kwik Trip stations along US-63 and US-52.

Mayo Clinic campus deliveries require advance scheduling through their logistics portal — no walk-ups. Downtown Rochester has a truck route ordinance with $300 fines for violations. US-52 has a 55-mph truck speed limit through town. Heavy loads restricted on several Olmsted County bridges during spring thaw. Always check local signage for recent changes, especially in construction zones.

Rochester sits on the open prairie — winds gust to 50+ mph regularly, making high-profile loads risky. Winter temperatures hit -25°F with 45-50 inches of snow. US-52 between Rochester and the Twin Cities is exposed to crosswinds and ground blizzards that reduce visibility to near zero. Plan your routes and schedule around these seasonal patterns for the best experience driving out of Rochester.