Updated May 2026
CDL Driver Salary in New Hampshire (May 2026)
New Hampshire CDL drivers average $2,841 per week, median $2,047, as of May 2026. Pay varies meaningfully by hiring type — the breakdown by W2, owner-op, and 1099 is below. Based on 1,230 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 30% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,040. New Hampshire freight runs on I-93 and I-95 connecting to the greater Boston market, with light manufacturing, distribution for northern New England, and construction-materials freight from the state's quarrying industry.
What changed in May 2026
We just started tracking monthly changes for this view. Check back next month to see how rankings have shifted.
New Hampshire CDL salary by hiring type
Across active CDL postings in 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) | $2,245 | $2,050 | 538 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,547 | $1,500 | 375 |
| Owner Operator | $7,357 | $7,500 | 317 |
Source: Lanefinder index, May 2026
Lane mix and benefits across New Hampshire
The route mix in New Hampshire this month tilts OTR: 10% regional, 85% OTR, 3% local, 1% semi-local — drawn from active postings, not historical surveys.
Guaranteed pay is on offer at 1% of New Hampshire postings; dedicated routes at 27%; take-truck-home at 85%. Pet-friendly policies appear at 68% and riders-allowed at 67%.
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 New Hampshire
- Best owner-operator companies in New Hampshire
- CDL driver salary in the United States
Where this data comes from
Compensation (30%): pay percentile + sign-on bonus + guaranteed pay + settlement frequency. FMCSA safety (25%): weighted percentile across vehicle maintenance, unsafe driving, hours-of-service, driver fitness, and controlled substances. Benefits (25%): hiring-type-aware. Operational (20%): driver-application responsiveness, modulated by fleet scale. Updated May 2026.