Updated May 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Manchester, New Hampshire (May 2026)
Manchester, New Hampshire CDL drivers: $3,142 average weekly pay, $2,200 median (May 2026). Based on 1,138 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 30% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,048. Manchester is New Hampshire's largest city on I-93 / NH-101, primarily serving as a distribution point for northern New England with access to the Boston market and light manufacturing freight from the Merrimack Valley industrial corridor.
What changed in May 2026
We just started tracking monthly changes for this view. Check back next month to see how rankings have shifted.
Manchester, New Hampshire CDL salary by hiring type
Across active CDL postings in Manchester, New Hampshire this month, pay varies meaningfully by hiring type. The breakdown below shows the average and median weekly pay for each.
| Hiring type | Avg/wk | Median/wk | Active postings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Independent Contractor (1099) | $2,262 | $2,100 | 515 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,588 | $1,587 | 317 |
| Owner Operator | $7,434 | $7,500 | 306 |
Source: Lanefinder index, May 2026
What Manchester, New Hampshire drivers actually run
Of active CDL postings in Manchester, New Hampshire this month, 9% are regional and 88% are OTR (long-haul). Local and semi-local routes account for the remaining 3%.
Across Manchester, New Hampshire CDL postings: 1% with guaranteed pay, 27% dedicated, 88% take-truck-home, 70% pet-friendly, 68% riders-allowed.
Manchester, New Hampshire vs New Hampshire: the numbers that diverge
The largest gap is on average weekly pay: Manchester, New Hampshire sits 11% above the New Hampshire baseline.
Driving CDL in New Hampshire
New Hampshire freight runs on I-93 and I-95 connecting to the greater Boston market. Light manufacturing, distribution for northern New England, and construction materials from the state's quarrying industry comprise most loads. NH has no state income tax and no general sales tax — popular pull factor for drivers based here who run other-state lanes. Cost of living is moderate; winter is severe. Generally favorable trucking regulations. The granite quarries in the central state generate heavy, axle-load-sensitive freight.
Related guides
- Best trucking companies in Manchester, New Hampshire
- Best owner-operator companies in Manchester, New Hampshire
- CDL driver salary in New Hampshire
Where this data comes from
Compensation, FMCSA safety, benefits, and operational performance — weighted 30, 25, 25, and 20 percent respectively. Compensation extends beyond headline pay to include sign-on bonus tier and settlement cadence. Benefits scoring differs by hiring type because the perks that matter to a W2 driver and a contractor are not the same. Updated May 2026.