Heavy Truck Driver in Derry CDP, NH

The Salary Picture: Where Derry CDP Stands

Living and working as a heavy truck driver in Derry CDP, New Hampshire, puts you in a unique market. The median salary here sits at $54,937/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $26.41/hour. This is slightly above the national average for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers, which is $53,090/year. While the difference isn't monumental, it's notable, especially when you factor in New Hampshire's lack of state income or sales tax. This tax advantage effectively boosts your purchasing power compared to many other states.

However, the local job market is compact. With only 86 jobs currently in the metro area (which includes Derry and nearby Londonderry), competition can be fierce for the best local routes. The 10-year job growth projection is just 4%, suggesting a stable but not rapidly expanding market. You're not looking at a boomtown scenario; this is a place for drivers who value consistency and regional familiarity over chasing high-volume, long-haul opportunities.

Here’s how the salary breaks down by experience level. Note that these are realistic estimates based on local market trends and the provided median data.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	$45,000 - $50,000	Local delivery, yard jockeying, supervised regional routes. Often with larger carriers like J.B. Hunt or Schneider.
Mid-Level	$54,937 (Median)	Regional routes (New England/NY), overnight trips, handling your own load securement.
Senior/Expert	$65,000 - $75,000+	Dedicated accounts, tanker/hazmat endorsements, trainer roles, or owner-operator transitions.

When compared to other New Hampshire cities, Derry's median salary is competitive. It sits close to the state's wider average for truck drivers but is often outpaced by the higher cost of living and denser job markets in the Manchester-Nashua metro area. For example, drivers in Manchester might see slightly higher base pay due to more corporate logistics hubs, but they also face more congestion and competition.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The first question any mover asks is, "Can I afford it?" Let's run the numbers for a Heavy Truck Driver earning the median salary of $54,937/year in Derry CDP. New Hampshire has no state income tax, which is a major plus. A rough take-home pay after federal taxes, Social Security, and Medicare would be approximately $44,000 to $45,500 per year, or about $3,700 to $3,790 per month.

The biggest expense is rent. The average for a 1-bedroom apartment in the Derry area is $1,506/month. Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,506	This is for the Derry CDP average. Can be lower in specific neighborhoods.
Utilities	$150 - $200	Includes electricity, heating (crucial in NH winters), water.
Groceries	$300 - $400	NH prices are slightly above national average.
Car Payment/Insurance	$400 - $600	Essential, as public transit is limited. Your truck is for work, not the commute.
Fuel	$200 - $300	For personal vehicle. Commutes are short but NH gas taxes are moderate.
Miscellaneous	$300 - $500	Health insurance (if not covered), savings, entertainment, gear.
Total Estimated Expenses	$2,856 - $3,506	Leaves a surplus of $194 to $934 per month.

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, but it requires careful planning. The median home price in Derry is around $425,000. With the monthly surplus above, saving for a down payment is a multi-year goal. A 20% down payment ($85,000) would be a significant hurdle on a single $54,937 salary. However, with a dual-income household or after several years of experience driving up your earnings to the $65,000+ range, homeownership in Derry becomes a realistic target. The town's property taxes are a factor to research, as they can vary by neighborhood.

Where the Jobs Are: Derry CDP's Major Employers

The job market for heavy truck drivers in Derry is anchored by regional distribution, local construction, and essential services. You won't find massive corporate headquarters, but you will find consistent, reliable employers. The key is targeting companies that need regional routes, not long-haul.

Here are specific local employers and hiring trends:

1. J.B. Hunt Transport Services: A major national carrier with a significant presence in Southern New Hampshire. They frequently have openings for regional and dedicated drivers based out of their Derry/Londonderry hubs. Hiring is steady, often targeting drivers with clean records and 1-2 years of experience. They offer benefits and consistent miles.

2. Schneider National: Similar to J.B. Hunt, Schneider operates a terminal in the region. They are a top choice for new drivers and have dedicated accounts that keep you closer to home. The Derry area is ideal for their New England regional networks.

3. PepsiCo (Bottling Operations): The Pepsi bottling facility in nearby Londonderry is a major employer. This involves local delivery routes to stores, restaurants, and vending machines. It's a predictable, home-daily route with a focus on customer service and logistics. Hiring can be cyclical, tied to production and sales cycles.

4. Local Construction & Material Companies: Companies like Bonei Construction or Derry Concrete are always in need of dump truck and flatbed drivers. These jobs are heavily seasonal (spring through fall), pay well, but may involve off-season layoffs. It's a great way to get your foot in the door and network locally.

5. Waste Management & Recycling: Casella Waste Systems and Waste Management serve the Derry area. These are essential services with very stable, year-round work. It's early starts and physically demanding, but the job security is excellent. Routes are hyper-local, meaning you're home every night.

6. Logistics & Warehousing Hubs: The Derry/Londonderry area is a logistics corridor. Companies like XPO Logistics or FedEx Freight have regional distribution centers. These roles often involve yard jockeying, loading/unloading, and short-haul deliveries to other warehouses. They're a good fit for drivers who prefer being a home-daily "day driver."

Insider Tip: The best way to find these jobs is not just through major job boards, but through local CDL schools and the New Hampshire Department of Employment Security office in Manchester. They have direct pipelines to employers who need licensed drivers now.

Getting Licensed in NH

New Hampshire's Commercial Driver's License (CDL) process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The NH Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is your governing body.

State-Specific Requirements:

• Age: You must be at least 18 for intrastate driving (within NH) and 21 for interstate driving (across state lines).
• Knowledge & Skills Tests: You must pass written knowledge tests for the class of CDL you want (Class A for tractor-trailer) and any endorsements (e.g., Tanker, Hazmat).
• Medical Certification: You must pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam from a certified medical examiner. This is mandatory and must be renewed every 2 years.
• Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT): As of February 2022, federal law requires all new CDL applicants to complete training from a provider registered with the FMCSA's Training Provider Registry (TPR). This applies to most first-time CDL holders and those upgrading to a Class A.

Costs & Timeline:

• CDL School: Attending a certified school in the Manchester/Derry area can cost between $3,000 and $6,000. This is the fastest route (typically 4-8 weeks) and often includes job placement assistance. Some larger carriers (like J.B. Hunt) have tuition reimbursement programs.
• Self-Study & Testing: You can study the NH CDL manual (free online) and take the knowledge tests at the DMV for just the cost of the permit ($10). However, you'll still need to pay for a truck rental for the road test, which can be tricky without school connections.
• Timeline: If you go the school route, you can be licensed and job-ready in 6-10 weeks. If you self-study, it can take longer due to the logistics of finding a truck for the skills test.

Insider Tip: Always check the FMCSA TPR registry before enrolling in any training program. It's now a federal requirement for licensure, and using an unregistered provider will delay your ability to get your CDL.

Best Neighborhoods for Heavy Truck Drivers

When choosing where to live in Derry, your priorities are likely easy commute to terminals/employers, availability of parking for a personal vehicle (not your truck), and affordability. Derry is a town, not a dense city, so neighborhoods are more like distinct sections.

1. Central Derry (Downtown): This is the most walkable area, with older New England homes and apartments. It's close to local shops and restaurants. Commute to major employers on the Route 102/111 corridor is minimal (5-10 minutes). A 1-bedroom apartment averages $1,400-$1,600/month. Pro: Walkability. Con: Older housing stock can mean higher heating costs.

2. East Derry: This area is quieter, with more single-family homes and newer apartment complexes. It's very close to the Derry Public Library and community fields. Commute to the Londonderry industrial zone (Pepsi, J.B. Hunt) is about 10-15 minutes. A 1-bedroom averages $1,450-$1,650/month. Pro: Family-friendly, good parking. Con: Slightly farther from the main retail hubs.

3. Webster Square Area: Situated along Route 102, this area is a commercial and residential mix. You'll find larger apartment complexes and easy access to grocery stores and the highway (I-93 is 10-15 minutes away). Commute is easy for most Derry employers. A 1-bedroom averages $1,500-$1,700/month. Pro: Ultra-convenient for errands and commute. Con: Can be noisier due to traffic on 102.

4. Londonderry (Adjacent Town): While not technically Derry CDP, many drivers live in Londonderry for its lower population density and slightly cheaper rents. The commute to Derry employers is under 10 minutes. A 1-bedroom averages $1,350-$1,550/month. Pro: More "suburban" feel, often better value. Con: You're not paying Derry's property taxes if you buy, but you're also outside the specific CDP.

Insider Tip: Avoid the very northern end of Derry if you work south of the town (like in Salem or Manchester). The commute on back roads during winter can be treacherous. Stick to the central spine (Route 28/102) for the easiest access to everything.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 4% tells us that Derry isn't a hotspot for massive career expansion, but it offers solid paths for advancement if you're strategic.

Specialty Premiums:
The key to earning well above the $54,937 median is endorsements. In Derry's market, these are highly valuable:

• Hazmat (H): Required for transporting certain chemicals. This can add a $2,000-$5,000 annual premium. Companies like Casella or specialized chemical distributors need this.
• Tanker (N): For liquid loads (fuel, milk, chemicals). Often paired with hazmat. Premiums are similar.
• Doubles/Triples (T): Less common in the NH regional market, but can be a niche skill for specific carriers.

Advancement Paths:

1. Driver Trainer: With 3-5 years of clean driving, you can train new hires for larger carriers. Pay increases and you get a home-daily schedule.
2. Dispatcher/Fleet Manager: Transitioning off the road into a logistics role at a local carrier. Requires strong communication and tech skills.
3. Owner-Operator: The ultimate goal. Leasing a truck for local/regional routes in Derry can be viable, but requires significant capital and business acumen. The stable, regional market here is better for it than unpredictable long-haul.
4. Specialized Hauling: Moving into heavy haul (oversized loads) or dedicated food-grade tanker routes. This requires more experience and a clean record but pays a premium.

10-Year Outlook:
The outlook is stable, not explosive. Derry's economy is tied to regional logistics, construction, and services. Drivers who specialize, get endorsements, and maintain a flawless safety record will always be in demand. The 4% growth means jobs will open up as retirees leave the field, but you'll need to be proactive. Networking with local employers at the NH Trucking Association events (held in Concord) is a smart move for long-term career health.

The Verdict: Is Derry CDP Right for You?

Making the move to Derry CDP as a heavy truck driver is a strategic choice for someone who values work-life balance, regional familiarity, and a lower-tax environment over the high-volume, long-haul lifestyle.

Pros	Cons
Above-national-average pay ($54,937) with no state income tax.	Very small job market (86 jobs). Competition for the best local routes can be high.
High quality of life with a strong community feel and access to outdoor recreation (beaches, mountains).	Slower career growth (4%). Not a fast-track market for rapid advancement.
Predictable, home-daily routes are the norm, not the exception.	Cost of living is high (111.6 index), driven by housing.
Proximity to major corridors (I-93, I-95) for occasional longer trips if needed.	Winters are harsh, impacting driving conditions and potentially delaying schedules.
Safe, family-oriented town with good schools if you have (or plan) a family.	Limited nightlife and urban amenities—it's a suburb, not a city.

Final Recommendation:
Derry CDP is an excellent fit for experienced drivers seeking stability and a home-daily routine. It's also a good landing spot for new drivers who get trained locally and want to start their career with a regional carrier. It is not ideal for drivers seeking rapid wage growth through a booming market or those who crave the anonymity and constant activity of a major city. If you value a low-tax paycheck, a quiet community, and being home for dinner every night, Derry is a pragmatic and rewarding choice.

FAQs

Q: What's the winter driving like in Derry?
A: It's serious. You need good all-season or winter tires. While major roads like I-93 and Route 102 are plowed quickly, secondary roads and your employer's yard can be slick. Employers expect you to be prepared and often have bad-weather protocols.

Q: Can I live in Derry and drive long-haul?
A: Yes, but it's not ideal. You'd likely need to commute to a terminal in Manchester or Nashua for a long-haul carrier. The 86 jobs in the metro are mostly regional/local. For true long-haul, you'd be better off in a larger logistics hub like Worcester, MA, or Albany, NY.

Q: Are there any trucker-friendly bars or hangouts in Derry?
A: It's not a big trucker town. Your best bet is to connect with colleagues from your terminal. Many drivers hang out at spots like the Tilt 'n' Diner (a classic NH diner) or local grills after shifts. The scene is more about local crews than transient drivers.

Q: How does the cost of living compare to nearby states?
A: While NH has no state income tax, the overall cost of living (111.6) is higher than the national average. Compared to neighboring Massachusetts, you'll save on income and sales taxes, but housing and utilities can be similar. Compared to Vermont or Maine, Derry is typically more expensive but offers more job opportunities.

Q: What's the best way to get my first job after getting my CDL in NH?
A: Work directly with your CDL school's job placement program. They have direct pipelines to J.B. Hunt, Schneider, and local construction firms. Also, visit the NH Department of Employment Security office in Manchester. They host job fairs and have listings for local carriers that aren't advertised nationally. Don't just apply online; call the local terminals directly.