Updated May 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Newton, Massachusetts (May 2026)
CDL pay in Newton, Massachusetts averages $3,003/week (median $2,137) through May 2026. Based on 1,166 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 30% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,079. Massachusetts freight runs on the I-90 / I-93 / I-95 metro grid through Boston, with Port of Boston handling bulk and container cargo and a major concentration of biotech and pharmaceutical manufacturing requiring cold-chain and hazmat lanes.
What changed in May 2026
We just started tracking monthly changes for this view. Check back next month to see how rankings have shifted.
How CDL pay breaks down in Newton, Massachusetts
Across active CDL postings in Newton, Massachusetts 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) | $2,250 | $2,050 | 521 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,592 | $1,600 | 336 |
| Owner Operator | $7,414 | $7,500 | 309 |
Source: Lanefinder index, May 2026
How drivers spend their time on the road in Newton, Massachusetts
Of active CDL postings in Newton, Massachusetts this month, 10% are regional and 87% are OTR (long-haul). Local and semi-local routes account for the remaining 3%.
Guaranteed pay is on offer at 1% of Newton, Massachusetts postings; dedicated routes at 28%; take-truck-home at 86%. Pet-friendly policies appear at 70% and riders-allowed at 67%.
Newton, Massachusetts vs Massachusetts: the numbers that diverge
The largest gap is on average weekly pay: Newton, Massachusetts sits 10% above the Massachusetts baseline.
Driving CDL in Massachusetts
Massachusetts freight runs on the I-90 / I-93 / I-95 grid through Boston, with the Port of Boston handling bulk and container cargo. A dense biotech and pharmaceutical manufacturing cluster around Cambridge / Boston / Worcester requires cold-chain and hazmat-eligible lanes. The Big Dig tunnels have truck-height and hazmat restrictions worth checking before routing. Boston congestion is consistently in the worst US tier. Cost of living is among the highest nationally. Massachusetts has a moderate flat state income tax with an added surtax on very high incomes (not relevant for most drivers).
Related guides
- Best trucking companies in Newton, Massachusetts
- Best owner-operator companies in Newton, Massachusetts
- CDL driver salary in Massachusetts
The methodology behind the rankings
Four weighted components. Compensation carries 30% and includes pay percentile, sign-on bonus tier, guaranteed-pay availability, and settlement frequency. FMCSA safety carries 25%, built from five SAFER dimensions. Benefits carry 25%, scored separately for W2 versus owner-operator carriers. Operational performance carries 20%, measuring application responsiveness and fleet scale. Updated May 2026.