Massachusetts is the most difficult place on the Northeast logistics map. There exists a difficult combination of strong demand, dense metropolitan congestion, and extreme cost of living. Boston and the surrounding area is a vital export/import hub; it is an ideal destination for high-value, time-sensitive freight. For any professional driver considering the challenge and reward of operating in this market, the ultimate question is: What is the competitive truck driver salary in Massachusetts?
It’s easy to see that in Massachusetts, a heavy hauler pays some of the highest wages in the country, often placing skilled CDL drivers well into the five-figure and low six-figure categories. Not only are these drivers more comfortable, but they are also compensated for the difficulty of traversing one of the longest, largest, and most difficult freight corridors in the United States. To find out about the national level of these figures as well as what they are compared to earnings for the country, check out our full analysis of "How Much Does a Truck Driver Make in 2025?".
Contents:
How Much Do CDL Drivers Make in Massachusetts?
To start, let’s establish the standard floor for commercial driving. The figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show a substantial base compared to most of the country. The statewide mean annual wage for all heavy and tractor-trailer drivers in Massachusetts is $60,630. This breaks down to approximately $29.15 per hour, making the average truck driver salary in Massachusetts significantly higher than the national median.
It is important to understand that this figure is heavily influenced by the high cost of living in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton metro area, which itself reports a median salary of $61,530. This means that the high wages are a mandatory compensation for high local expenses. However, this high baseline also serves as the starting point for OTR earning potential.
For experienced drivers willing to take on long-haul routes and specialized freight, the salary ceiling climbs dramatically. The competitive CDL driver salary in Massachusetts for experienced OTR drivers are often reported near $89,358 per year.
| Pay Period | MA Statewide BLS Average | Estimated OTR Dry Van (Experienced) | Estimated OTR Flatbed (Premium) |
| Annual/Per Year | $60,630 | $79,000 – $105,000 | $86,900 – $115,500 |
| Monthly | ~$5,052 | ~$6,583 – $8,750 | ~$7,241 – $9,625 |
| Weekly | ~$1,166 | ~$1,519 – $2,019 | ~$1,671 – $2,221 |
How Much Do Local Truck Drivers Make in Massachusetts?
For drivers who are firmly committed to local routes and the advantage of daily home time, the pay structure is generally hourly rather than mileage-based. This is particularly true in the dense, stop-and-go conditions of the I-95 corridor and around the Port of Boston.
Local CDL positions typically earn between $20 and $35 per hour. While this structure limits the maximum earning potential of OTR, it guarantees predictable money for time spent sitting in traffic or waiting at a crowded loading dock. The reliability of a consistent weekly paycheck and the non-monetary value of home time are the primary motivators for drivers in these high-traffic regions. Given that the general average salary of a truck driver in Massachusetts is already high at the $60,630 mark, a good local job in the Boston area will often meet or exceed that figure purely through consistent per-hour work.
CDL Driver Salary in Massachusetts (OTR and Specialization Premium)
If you have two or more years of OTR experience, your CDL driver salary in Massachusetts is primarily dictated by specialization. The state’s economy demands high-value logistics – think specialized goods for the tech sector or construction materials – which require skills beyond basic Dry Van operations.
The Flatbed and Endorsement Multiplier
The single biggest boost to your earnings potential comes from specializing in Flatbed hauling. Flatbed drivers are paid a premium (often $10,000 to $15,000 per year higher than standard Dry Van) because they manage the increased risk and intensive labor of securing irregular or oversized loads.
This specialization premium is strongly evident in the Northeast:
- Experienced OTR Dry Van drivers are estimated to reach up to $105,000 per year.
- Experienced OTR Flatbed drivers are estimated to reach up to $115,500 per year.
Furthermore, endorsements act as immediate income multipliers. Getting your Hazmat (H) endorsement dramatically increases your value because of the complexity of transporting dangerous goods. This qualifies you for specialized loads and higher accessorial pay, sometimes up to $125 per hour for detention on complex loads, making your CDL salary truly top-tier.
The Real-World CPM Trade-Off: Pay vs. Home Time
In a high-pay state like Massachusetts, the choice between carriers often comes down to how they structure their compensation, which is intrinsically linked to the amount of time you spend on the road each month.
The High-Mileage Mega-Carrier Model:
The size and stability of larger national carriers are achieved through the W-2 model. During a learning period, they may offer a slightly lower base CPM (typically $0.55 to $0.65 for experienced drivers). But, this goes for high regular weekly mileage (2,500 to 3,000 miles is the goal) and a predictable home time. Mega-carriers use large freight fleets and dedicated routes in the Northeast to ensure that drivers from the Northeast are home weekly or every two weeks, while rebalancing the low CPM with reliability and low non-monetary value of home time. Their goal is to maintain a constant income stream.
The Small Carrier Premium Trap:
Smaller family businesses tend to be more willing to recruit by advertising a much higher base CPM, which would range from $0.65 to $0.75. It looks like there is an increase for each mile. But that additional pay is not an indirect payment for breaking home time. These small carriers cannot have access to all of the resources needed to reroute trucks, financially incentivizing drivers to stay outside for three to four weeknights a week. This additional CPM is, in fact, compensation for four months of shifts away from home for four monthly resets, and life is much more difficult.
The Importance of Effective CPM in MA:
Given the density of the Northeast, drivers must calculate their effective CPM (E-CPM). In a high-traffic region like Massachusetts, detention pay and stop pay are essential. Large carriers that capture $50-$75 per hour for detention often do better than small carriers that advertise $0.75 CPM but can’t collect when sitting idle. Our analysis shows that the competitive effective CPM for OTR Dry Van in the Northeast hovers around $0.71 (based on reported annual earnings ) – a strong benchmark for experienced drivers in this market.
What Are the True Factors That Determine Truck Driver Salary in Massachusetts?
Beyond the base rates, several factors influence your final annual pay and overall career satisfaction in Massachusetts.
Experience and Seniority
The most reliable way to increase your salary is tenure. New drivers (0–1 year) start at the lowest end, typically making around $34,500 to $50,000. However, highly experienced drivers (5+ years) who have mastered efficiency and safety become absolutely essential, commanding the highest rates and achieving total earnings of $80,000 and up to $120,000 or more.
CDL Endorsements are Income Multipliers
Carriers are willing to pay significantly more for expertise.
- Hazmat (H) Endorsement: Required for transporting regulated materials. This endorsement provides premium pay due to the risk.
- Tanker (N) Endorsement: Essential for hauling bulk liquids or gases. This generally adds an extra $3,000 to $7,000 per year to your base salary because of the specialized handling required.
Pay Structure: CPM vs. Percentage
The structure determines your risk. CPM offers predictability, ensuring consistent income based on miles driven. Percentage pay (20%-35% of load revenue) means your paycheck can be huge when freight rates are high, but it can drop quickly during recessions.
Owner-Operator Potential: High Risk, High Reward
An ambitious owner-operator has the highest potential for gross revenue, often between $200,000 and $380,000 per year. However, after covering massive operating costs – including up to $70,000 per year for fuel and maintenance – the net income for a profitable owner-operator typically settles between $70,000 and $150,000 annually.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The high truck driver salary in Massachusetts is structurally sound. While the freight market has seen recent fluctuations, the chronic driver shortage is not going away. The fact that 57% of drivers are over the age of 45 guarantees that the industry will face persistent upward wage pressure well past 2025. Any carrier hoping to compete in the high-cost, high-demand Massachusetts market must offer superior compensation, guaranteed benefits, and a predictable schedule to attract the limited pool of skilled talent required for its logistics infrastructure. The high salary in Massachusetts is here to stay.
HMD Trucking is actively seeking CDL truck drivers in Massachusetts, with immediate openings for Dry Van and Flatbed positions in Boston and Worcester. We are committed to offering steady freight and competitive pay to qualified drivers. HMD Trucking is not only looking for drivers with a solid safety record and one year of verifiable OTR experience but also committed to giving their drivers dependable weekly miles and reliable home time. Come work for a company that cares for its drivers and wants you to prosper in the trucking industry.
