Heavy Truck Driver Career Guide: Keene, NH

As a career analyst who’s spent years mapping the job landscape in the Monadnock Region, I’ve watched the logistics sector in Keene grow quietly but steadily. It’s not a massive hub like Manchester or Nashua, but its strategic location—right on the crossroads of Route 9, Route 10, and within reach of I-91 and I-89—makes it a vital node for regional freight. If you’re a heavy truck driver considering a move here, you’re looking at a stable market with a lower-than-average cost of living compared to southern New Hampshire, but it’s a market that requires a specific, local understanding. This guide breaks down the real numbers, the real employers, and the day-to-day reality of driving in the Monadnock Region.

The Salary Picture: Where Keene Stands

First, let’s talk numbers. According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and state labor market information, heavy truck drivers in the Keene, NH metro area earn a median salary of $54,523/year. That translates to a hourly rate of $26.21/hour. This is slightly above the national average of $53,090/year, which is a positive sign for the local market. However, context is key. The Keene metro area is small, with only 91 jobs for heavy truck drivers. This means opportunities exist, but they are concentrated. The 10-year job growth is projected at 4%, which is modest but stable, reflecting the steady demand for goods in the region.

Experience-Level Breakdown

While the median is a useful benchmark, your earning potential will vary significantly based on your experience and the type of driving you do. Here’s a realistic breakdown for the Keene area:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Typical Roles & Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$42,000 - $48,000	Local delivery, yard jockey, or regional routes. Often starts as a dock worker or apprentice.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$52,000 - $60,000	The bulk of local jobs. Regional routes, dedicated accounts (like for a local grocery distributor), and hazmat.
Senior/Expert (8+ years)	$62,000 - $75,000+	OTR (over-the-road) for national carriers based in Keene, specialized hauling (tanker, flatbed), or trainer roles. Insider Tip: Drivers with a clean record and tanker/hazmat endorsements can hit the upper end here.

Comparison to Other NH Cities

Keene’s salary sits in a middle ground. It’s higher than the North Country (e.g., Berlin) but lower than the southern urban centers. For context, here’s how Keene compares:

City/Area	Median Salary	Jobs in Metro	Key Industry Drivers
Keene, NH	$54,523	91	Regional distribution, local manufacturing, agriculture
Manchester, NH	$57,200	~450	Major logistics hub, Amazon, Manchester-Boston Regional Airport
Dover, NH	$55,100	~120	Seacoast distribution, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard support
Berlin, NH	$48,800	~25	Limited to local manufacturing and logging

The Bottom Line on Salary: If you have 3+ years of experience and a clean driving record, Keene offers a competitive wage that goes further than in southern NH, given the lower housing costs. However, if you’re chasing the absolute highest earnings, OTR national carriers might offer higher base pay, but they often require you to be on the road for weeks at a time.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about what that $54,523/year means for your monthly budget. This is based on a single filer with no dependents, using standard deductions and NH’s lack of a state income tax (but high property taxes). The key local factor is rent: the average 1-bedroom apartment in Keene costs $1,471/month. The Cost of Living Index for Keene is 109.0 (US avg = 100), meaning it’s about 9% more expensive to live here than the national average, primarily due to housing and utilities.

Here’s a monthly budget breakdown for a driver earning the median salary:

Category	Monthly Amount	Notes & Local Context
Gross Pay	$4,544	$54,523 / 12
Net Pay (after taxes)	~$3,635	Estimate after federal tax, FICA (7.65%), and no state income tax. Insider Tip: Use an NH payroll calculator for your exact take-home.
Rent (1BR Avg)	$1,471	This is the market rate. You can find cheaper ($1,100-$1,300) in specific neighborhoods (see below).
Utilities	$250	Includes electricity, heat (often oil/propane in older buildings), internet. NH winters spike heating costs.
Car Payment/Insurance	$500	Essential. Many landlords require parking, which can add $50-$100/month.
Groceries	$400	Comparable to national averages. Local chains include Hannaford and Market Basket.
Miscellaneous	$500	Gas, car maintenance, personal care, entertainment.
Remaining	$514	$3,635 - $3,121

Can they afford to buy a home? It’s tight but possible, especially with a partner’s income. The median home price in Keene is around $330,000. With the remaining $514/month in your budget, a $300,000 mortgage (with 10% down) would be roughly $1,800/month (including taxes and insurance), which is not affordable on a single median income. However, many drivers here are dual-income households or have been with an employer for years, building savings for a down payment. Insider Tip: Look at towns just outside Keene like Swanzey or Westmoreland for lower property taxes and home prices.

Where the Jobs Are: Keene's Major Employers

The job market in Keene is not about massive corporate headquarters; it’s about regional distribution centers, local manufacturers, and agricultural support. Here are the key players:

1. Keene Distribution Center (Various Tenants): This sprawling complex off Route 9 (Contoocook Road) is the heart of local logistics. Companies like Brickstone (a regional distributor for food service) and PepsiCo have large facilities here. Hiring is constant for local delivery and yard jockey roles. Trend: Steady demand, with seasonal spikes in Q4.
2. Hannaford Supermarkets: The regional grocery chain has a distribution center in nearby Westminster, MA, but employs many Keene-based drivers for local store delivery. Stable, unionized jobs with good benefits.
3. Stonyfield Farm (Dairy): While the main plant is in Londonderry, their regional distribution involves drivers servicing the Monadnock Region. They often seek drivers with tanker and refrigerated experience.
4. Local Agriculture: Companies like C&J Trucking (often local for hay and material transport) and Meadowbrook Dairy (local milk hauler) offer seasonal and steady work, especially for those comfortable with rural routes and farm access roads.
5. NH Army National Guard: The armory in Keene has a transportation unit. While not a typical commercial driving job, it offers CDL training and a path to stable, federal employment.
6. Construction & Material Haulers: Companies like Brickstone Construction and Cianbro (when active in the area) need dump truck and flatbed drivers. These jobs are tied to the construction cycle.
7. Amazon Flex / Independent Contracting: While not a traditional employer, many Keene drivers supplement income with local delivery contracts. Warning: This is a gig economy model; it’s best for side income, not primary employment.

Hiring Trends: There’s a consistent need for drivers with tanker endorsements (for fuel, milk, and chemicals) and hazmat. The local market is small, so relationships matter. Word-of-mouth and direct applications to these employers often yield better results than blind online applications.

Getting Licensed in NH

New Hampshire’s licensing process is straightforward but has specific nuances. The NH Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is your primary resource.

Requirements:

1. Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP): Pass the written knowledge test for your desired class (Class A for tractor-trailer, Class B for straight truck). You must hold the CLP for at least 14 days before testing for the CDL.
2. CDL Skills Test: Includes pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and an on-road test. You must provide your own vehicle (often from a school or employer).
3. Medical Certificate: A DOT physical from a certified medical examiner is mandatory.
4. Endorsements: For tanker (N), hazmat (H), doubles/triples (T), etc., require additional written tests.

Costs (Approximate):

• CLP Application Fee: $10
• CDL Skills Test Fee: $50
• Endorsement Fees: $5-$15 each
• DOT Physical: $100-$150 (varies by clinic)
• CDL School (Optional): $3,000 - $5,000. Crucial Insight: Many local employers, like Keene Distribution Center tenants, may sponsor your training in exchange for a work commitment. This is the most cost-effective path.

Timeline:

• Self-study for CLP: 1-2 weeks
• CLP to CDL (with school): 4-6 weeks
• Total time from start to job-ready: 6-8 weeks if you go through a sponsored program or local school. Insider Tip: The Monadnock Region Career Center in Keene offers CDL prep courses and often has connections to local employers. It’s a first stop for anyone new to the field.

Best Neighborhoods for Heavy Truck Drivers

Living in Keene as a driver means balancing commute, parking, and rent. Here’s a neighborhood breakdown:

Neighborhood	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Commute Insight	Lifestyle & Parking
Downtown Keene	$1,300 - $1,600	Walkable to shops/restaurants, but tight for trucks. No dedicated parking for large rigs.	Urban, vibrant. Best if you have a smaller personal vehicle for commuting.
West Keene / Route 9 Corridor	$1,100 - $1,400	Ideal. 5-10 min drive to distribution centers. Easy access to highways.	Suburban. Many apartments with lots. More affordable, family-friendly.
Swanzey (West of Keene)	$1,200 - $1,500	10-15 min commute. Lower taxes. More rural feel.	Insider Tip: Great for truck drivers who want space. Many driveways accommodate trucks.
East Keene / Surry	$1,000 - $1,300	10-15 min commute. Quieter, near hiking trails.	Rural residential. Check for winter road maintenance.
Keene State College Area	$1,100 - $1,450	5-10 min to downtown. High student population.	Noisy in academic year. Limited parking for large vehicles.

The Verdict on Housing: For a heavy truck driver, West Keene or Swanzey offers the best balance. You’ll find more affordable rents, easy highway access, and landlords more accustomed to tenants with work vehicles. Always confirm parking rules before signing a lease.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Keene is a place to build a career, not necessarily to get rich quickly. Growth comes from specialization and reputation.

• Specialty Premiums: In Keene, the highest premiums are for:

  • Tanker Endorsement: + $2-$4/hour (for milk, fuel, chemical hauling).
  • Hazmat Endorsement: + $1.50-$3/hour (for certain industrial chemicals).
  • CDL Instructor: Teaching at local schools or employers can add $5-$10/hour to your base.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Driver → Trainer: Senior drivers often train new hires for their company, adding a premium.
  2. Driver → Dispatcher/Logistics Coordinator: With experience, you can move into planning routes and managing schedules.
  3. Driver → Owner-Operator: Some start their own local hauling business servicing Keene’s manufacturers. This requires capital and business acumen but can be lucrative.

• 10-Year Outlook (4% Growth): This growth is tied to the overall health of local manufacturing and agriculture. Insider Tip: The push for “local sourcing” and reduced carbon footprints may boost demand for regional drivers who can service Keene’s local food and material networks. Long-term, the drivers who invest in specialized endorsements and build relationships with key employers will see the most stability and wage growth.

The Verdict: Is Keene Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Cost of Living vs. Wage: Your $54,523 goes further here than in southern NH.	Limited Job Market: Only 91 jobs; you’re competing in a small pond.
Stable, Niche Demand: Steady need for specialized drivers (tanker, hazmat).	Lower Ceiling: Top salaries are lower than in major logistics hubs.
Quality of Life: Safe, small-town feel with access to outdoor recreation.	Winter Driving: NH winters are harsh; rural roads can be challenging.
Strong Employer Relationships: Building loyalty can lead to long-term tenure.	Limited Nightlife/Urban Amenities: It’s a quiet city.

Final Recommendation: Keene is an excellent choice for a heavy truck driver who prioritizes stability, work-life balance, and a lower cost of living over maximum earning potential. It’s ideal for experienced drivers with endorsements or those willing to get them. If you’re an OTR driver craving constant travel, Keene might feel too small. But if you want to drive regional routes, be home most nights, and live in a community where you can afford a home eventually, Keene is a smart, data-backed move.

FAQs

1. What’s the biggest challenge for new drivers in Keene?
Finding affordable housing with dedicated truck parking is the top issue. Many older apartment complexes downtown don’t accommodate large vehicles. Start your housing search in West Keene or Swanzey.

2. How competitive is the job market with only 91 jobs?
It’s competitive, but specialized. A driver with a clean record and a tanker endorsement will have multiple offers. The key is to apply directly to the major employers listed, not just to general job boards.

3. Do I need to know about winter driving?
Absolutely. NH winters bring snow and ice. Employers will prioritize drivers with experience in adverse conditions. If you’re new to it, take a defensive driving course and consider starting with local, shorter routes while you learn the area.

4. Are there union jobs in Keene?
Yes. Hannaford’s distribution drivers are Teamsters. Some construction companies may also have union contracts. Union jobs offer better benefits and job security but may have stricter seniority rules.

5. What’s the best way to get my first job in Keene without experience?
Look for yard jockey or dock worker positions at the Keene Distribution Center. These roles often lead to in-house CDL training. Also, contact the Monadnock Region Career Center—they have direct pipelines to local employers and can help with resume building and interview prep.

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, NH Department of Employment Security, NH DMV, local rental market analysis (Zillow, Rent.com), and employer direct research as of 2023-2024.