Truck Driver Salary in Massachusetts (2026): BLS OEWS Data, Top Metros & Carriers
Last verified: 2026-04-20 against BLS OEWS 53-3032 May 2024 release, Mass Labor Market Information data, and carrier-published pay bands.
Massachusetts is one of the highest-paying trucking states in the country by nominal median, driven by Boston metro distribution density, the Route 128 / I-495 "America's Technology Highway" biotech and pharma corridor (Moderna, Biogen, Vertex, Takeda, many more), the Port of Boston (specialty maritime cargo), and the I-90 Mass Pike east-west corridor to NY state. This guide extracts BLS OEWS for Massachusetts against the national $57,440 median for SOC 53-3032 (May 2024).1
Key Takeaways
- BLS OEWS 53-3032, May 2024 — MA median annual wage: $62,870.3 That's $5,430 above national — roughly 9.5% above national (one of the highest state premiums nationally).1
- MA state employment: ~19,870 heavy and tractor-trailer drivers.3
- Top paying MA metros: Boston–Cambridge–Newton MSA (biotech/pharma + distribution); Worcester MSA.
- Dominant freight segments: Boston metro distribution (retail, e-commerce, food); biotech/pharma dedicated (Route 128 / I-495 / Kendall Square); LTL linehaul (Mass Pike I-90 corridor); Port of Boston specialty; food distribution (regional production + Boston metro).
- Pay premium endorsements: Hazmat (H), Tanker (N), Doubles/Triples (T).
- Cross-reference: Massachusetts CDL Requirements guide.
MA Truck Driver Wages — BLS OEWS 53-3032 State Data
BLS OEWS state data for SOC 53-3032 in MA, May 2024 reference period. Verify at https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ma.htm.3
| Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Annual median (50th percentile) | $62,870 | BLS OEWS state cell, May 2024.3 |
| Annual mean wage | ~$64,500–$67,000 | Mean above median; biotech dedicated + LTL + port upper-tail. |
| Annual 10th percentile | ~$42,000–$44,500 | Entry-level; high cost-of-living floor. |
| Annual 25th percentile | ~$50,500–$53,500 | |
| Annual 75th percentile | ~$75,500–$81,000 | Experienced biotech dedicated, LTL, distribution. |
| Annual 90th percentile | ~$91,000–$98,500 | LTL linehaul seniority, pharma/biotech specialty, high-value cargo. |
| State employment | ~19,870 | Per BLS state OEWS.3 |
National percentile reference: p10 $37,930 · p25 $46,120 · p50 $57,440 · p75 $71,990 · p90 $81,710.1 MA upper-tail substantially exceeds national p90.
How MA Compares to National
MA's $62,870 state median runs $5,430 above national — one of the highest state premiums in the country.13 Boston metro biotech/pharma dedicated drives specialty pay; LTL linehaul density on I-90 corridor drives conventional upper tail.
Cost of living is a major offset. BEA RPP shows Massachusetts above national index, with Boston among the highest-cost metros in the country.4 Real purchasing power on MA median pay closer to national median after RPP adjustment. Nominal advantage is real; cost-of-living offset is significant.
Metro variation: - Above state median: Boston–Cambridge–Newton MSA. - Near state median: Worcester, Springfield. - Below state median: Western MA (Berkshires), rural MA.
Top MA Metros for Truck Drivers
Boston–Cambridge–Newton MSA
The dominant MA trucking metro: - Biotech / pharma cluster. Route 128 and I-495 "America's Technology Highway" + Kendall Square Cambridge. Moderna, Biogen, Vertex, Takeda, Sanofi, Novartis, Johnson & Johnson research — dedicated cold-chain and specialty handling freight. - Retail + e-commerce distribution. Amazon, Walmart, Target, Costco metro DCs. - Port of Boston — container and specialty. - Logan International Airport cargo. - Academic / research (Harvard, MIT, BU) — specialty research freight.
Boston MSA OEWS posts well above MA state mean. Current MSA data: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_14460.htm.5
Worcester (Worcester MA-CT MSA)
Central MA distribution + I-90 / I-290 corridor + light manufacturing. Worcester is a secondary distribution hub for Central New England. Tracks near state median. Data: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_49340.htm.5
Springfield (Springfield MA MSA)
Western MA I-91 / I-90 corridor + MassMutual logistics + some manufacturing. Tracks near or slightly below state median. Data: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_44140.htm.5
Major Freight Industries Driving MA Pay
| Industry | Freight footprint | Endorsement fit | Pay band notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotech / pharma dedicated | Route 128, I-495, Kendall Square | Specialty cold-chain training | $78–$105k experienced biotech. |
| Boston metro distribution | Metro retailer + food DCs | None required | $70–$92k experienced. |
| LTL linehaul | Mass Pike I-90 corridor (ODFL, Saia, XPO, ABF, FedEx Freight) | T highly valuable | Senior $88–$110k+. |
| Port of Boston | Maritime specialty + container | H for hazmat; TWIC | $70–$92k experienced. |
| Tanker / petroleum | Statewide fuel distribution | N+H | $76–$102k experienced. |
| Food / beverage dedicated | Regional production + Boston distribution | None required | $68–$90k experienced. |
Major Carriers Hiring in MA
- Biotech / pharma dedicated: Various specialty carriers (Quality Distribution, UTi, regional specialty).
- LTL: Old Dominion, Saia, XPO Logistics, ABF Freight, FedEx Freight, Estes Express, R+L Carriers, Pitt Ohio (has MA terminals).
- Mega OTR / Regional: Schneider, Werner, CR England, Covenant, Heartland.
- Dedicated / private fleet: Walmart Private Fleet, Target, Amazon (multiple MA DCs), Home Depot, Lowe's, Costco, Market Basket (MA regional grocery), Stop & Shop.
- Port of Boston operations: Multiple regional drayage operators.
- Tanker / petroleum: Kenan Advantage Group, local fuel distributors.
- MA-HQ specialty: Market Basket (regional grocer), Roche Bros (regional grocer), Cumberland Farms distribution.
Verify current MA openings at each carrier's recruiting site.
Pay by Route Type
- OTR: $65–$85k. Northeast corridor tolling reduces effective net.
- Regional (MA + NH/RI/CT/NY): $70–$92k.
- Local / home-daily: $58–$88k.
- Dedicated: $72–$105k; biotech/pharma dedicated often at upper end $78–$105k.
- LTL linehaul (Mass Pike corridor): $88–$110k+ senior.
- Owner-operator: variable $75–$155k net; Boston metro operating costs + tolling significant.
Use CPM → Annual Salary calculator + Lease vs Company vs Owner-Op calculator.
MA CDL and Licensing
Massachusetts CDL Requirements guide. MA RMV; $75 CDL (5-year cycle), $10 endorsement with CLP / $30 after; free CLP renewal for another 180 days.
FAQs
How much does a truck driver make in Massachusetts in 2026? MA state median for SOC 53-3032 is $62,870 per BLS OEWS May 20243 — approximately 9.5% above national $57,440.1 One of the highest state premiums nationally. Experienced drivers on specialty freight (senior LTL, biotech/pharma dedicated, port specialty) push into $90–$110k. Entry-level drivers earn $45–$52k year one — Boston metro cost of living sets a higher entry floor.
What is the highest-paying trucking job in Massachusetts? Senior LTL linehaul on I-90 Mass Pike corridor at Old Dominion, Saia, XPO, ABF, FedEx Freight — experienced drivers exceed $90–$110k. Biotech/pharma dedicated (Moderna/Biogen/Vertex cold-chain) rivals this. Specialty tanker (X-endorsed) and top-tier Walmart Private Fleet dedicated can match.
Where in MA do truck drivers get paid the most? Boston–Cambridge–Newton MSA leads by a wide margin — biotech/pharma dedicated + retail distribution + LTL concentration. Worcester tracks near state median. Western MA pays below.
Is MA a good state for truck drivers? Nominally yes — among highest state medians. Practically, Boston cost of living, Mass Pike tolling, fuel costs, and commercial insurance offset significant portion of nominal advantage. Biotech/pharma dedicated is stable and pays well. Winter weather is significant. Real take-home depends heavily on residence and specific role.
How does MA truck driver pay compare to New Jersey? MA state median ($62,870) is slightly above NJ state median ($61,770). Both are top-tier states. MA Boston biotech cluster + NJ Port Newark drayage — different drivers of upper tail. Cost-of-living offsets both.
Can I make six figures as a truck driver in Massachusetts? Yes — readily in specialty lanes. Senior LTL linehaul on Mass Pike I-90; biotech/pharma cold-chain dedicated; specialty tanker with X endorsement; Walmart Private Fleet dedicated; specialty owner-operator on high-value or cold-chain freight.
What are the largest carriers hiring in MA in 2026? Old Dominion, Saia, XPO, ABF, FedEx Freight, Amazon (multiple DCs), Walmart Private Fleet, Target, Market Basket, Schneider, Werner. Biotech/pharma dedicated through specialty carriers. Verify current pay bands via each recruiting portal.
Biotech/pharma cold-chain — what's unique? Cold-chain (2-8°C, -20°C, -80°C temperature-controlled) for biologics, vaccines, specialty therapies. Training on specialized reefer equipment, validated temperature logging, chain-of-custody documentation. High pay premium for certified drivers with biotech experience.
Mass Pike tolling — how does it affect OTR? Mass Pike (I-90) commercial tolls are significant. For MA-based owner-ops, toll costs meaningful expense line — model in the Lease vs Company vs Owner-Op calculator.
Sources
-
BLS OEWS, "53-3032," May 2024 national.
https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes533032.htm↩↩↩↩↩ -
BLS OOH, "Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers — Pay."
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/heavy-and-tractor-trailer-truck-drivers.htm#tab-5↩ -
BLS OEWS, "May 2024 State Estimates — Massachusetts."
https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ma.htm↩↩↩↩↩↩↩ -
U.S. BEA, "Regional Price Parities."
https://www.bea.gov/data/prices-inflation/regional-price-parities-state-and-metro-area↩ -
BLS OEWS, "May 2024 Metro Estimates." Boston-Cambridge-Newton MSA:
https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_14460.htm· Worcester MA-CT MSA:https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_49340.htm· Springfield MA MSA:https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_44140.htm· All MA MSAs:https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oessrcma.htm↩↩↩
