Heavy Truck Driver in Quincy, MA

Heavy Truck Driver Career Guide: Quincy, MA
A Local Analysis for 2024

If you're a professional Heavy Truck Driver eyeing a move to the South Shore of Massachusetts, Quincy offers a unique mix of urban access, coastal living, and steady logistics work. As a local who knows the city's rhythms—from the pre-dawn traffic at the Fore River Shipyard to the after-hours bustle at the supermarkets in Wollaston—this guide provides a data-driven, no-nonsense look at what your career and life would look like here. We'll break down the numbers, the neighborhoods, and the real-world logistics of driving big rigs in one of Massachusetts' oldest cities.

The Salary Picture: Where Quincy Stands

Let's start with the hard numbers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market data, Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in the Quincy area earn a median salary of $54,937 per year, with an hourly rate of $26.41. This sits slightly above the national average of $53,090, which is typical for the high-cost New England region. The Quincy metropolitan area, which includes nearby cities like Weymouth and Braintree, has an estimated 406 jobs for this occupation, indicating a stable but competitive market.

Experience is the biggest salary driver. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect based on your time in the cab:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary (Quincy Metro)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$42,000 - $48,000
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$49,000 - $58,000
Senior Driver	8-15 years	$59,000 - $68,000
Expert/Specialist	15+ years	$69,000 - $80,000+

Compared to other Massachusetts cities, Quincy is a solid mid-market. Drivers in Boston and Cambridge often see higher base pay (closer to $60,000+), but the cost of living there is exponentially higher. Conversely, cities like Worcester or Springfield may have slightly lower median salaries but also a much lower cost of living. Quincy strikes a balance: you're paid a competitive New England wage without the extreme rental costs of Boston proper.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base salary. Many local companies, especially those in the port and construction sectors, offer performance bonuses, overtime pay (often time-and-a-half after 40 hours), and seasonal differential pay during peak times like the holiday shipping rush or summer construction season. This can push your effective annual earnings $5,000 to $10,000 above the median.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $54,937 salary sounds reasonable, but in Massachusetts, taxes and housing eat into it quickly. Let's break down a monthly budget for a single driver living alone.

First, taxes. In Massachusetts, you'll pay a flat 5% state income tax on wages, plus federal taxes. For a single filer with no dependents claiming the standard deduction, your annual take-home pay after federal, state, and FICA taxes (7.65%) would be approximately $42,500. That's about $3,542 per month.

Now, rent. Quincy's average 1BR rent is $2,377/month. The city's Cost of Living Index is 111.6, meaning it's 11.6% more expensive than the national average. This index heavily reflects housing costs.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a Heavy Truck Driver earning the median salary in Quincy:

Expense Category	Monthly Estimate	Notes
Net Monthly Income	$3,542	After all taxes
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$2,377	City average
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$180	Varies by season
Groceries & Household	$400
Fuel (for personal vehicle)	$200	Assuming a 30-min commute
Car Insurance (MA is high)	$150	Mandatory state minimums
Health Insurance	$150	(Employer-subsidized)
Retirement Savings (401k)	$200	Crucial for long-term security
Miscellaneous/Discretionary	$85	Entertainment, personal care, etc.
Total Expenses	$3,742
Monthly Deficit	-$200

The Bottom Line: On a single income at the median salary, living alone in a standard 1BR is tight. The numbers show a slight deficit, which means you'll need to budget carefully, consider a roommate, or look for studios (which average ~$2,000/month) to stay in the black. You won't have much room for error or large discretionary spending.

Can they afford to buy a home? It's challenging but not impossible with discipline. The median home price in Quincy is over $600,000. A 20% down payment is $120,000. While the monthly mortgage payment might be comparable to rent, saving for the down payment on a $54,937 salary is a long-term project. You would need to save aggressively for 10+ years, or partner with another income. Many local drivers buy homes in more affordable neighboring towns like Abington or Whitman and commute in.

Where the Jobs Are: Quincy's Major Employers

Quincy's economy is anchored in healthcare, education, and logistics. For Heavy Truck Drivers, the opportunities are concentrated in a few key sectors. Here are the major local employers who regularly hire CDL drivers:

1. Sullivan's Recycling & Disposal: A major player in waste management and recycling. They operate a large fleet of roll-off and rear-loader trucks, servicing Quincy and the South Shore. Hiring is steady, and they often seek drivers with a clean record and experience with heavy equipment.
2. Granite City Fuel Oil: A family-owned business that has been around for decades. They deliver heating oil and propane to homes and businesses across the South Shore. Seasonal demand spikes in winter, leading to overtime opportunities.
3. The Boston Shipyard (Fore River Shipyard): While technically in Quincy, this is a major industrial hub. The shipyard's operations and the associated logistics companies (like port trucking firms) need drivers for moving materials, supplies, and finished parts. It's heavy-duty, industrial work.
4. Brickstone by Stoughton (Construction & Materials): A major concrete and building materials supplier. Their drivers deliver concrete to construction sites across the region, including major projects in Quincy, Weymouth, and Boston. This is physically demanding but often pays well with overtime.
5. Local Grocery & Food Distribution Hubs: While the major chains (Market Basket, Stop & Shop) have distribution centers slightly farther out (e.g., in neighboring towns), Quincy's central location means many drivers are based here for last-mile delivery to the city's numerous stores and restaurants.
6. Milton's at the Base (Formerly South Shore Plaza): The large retail and commercial complex on the border of Quincy and Braintree requires constant deliveries. Many local trucking companies have contracts to service this area, creating steady routes for box truck and tractor-trailer drivers.

Hiring Trends: The market is stable. The 10-year job growth is projected at 4%, which is slower than the national average for many occupations but consistent. Automation is a distant concern for most local, non-highway work (like waste or local delivery). The biggest trend is the shift toward more specialized roles—like drivers with Hazmat endorsements for fuel or tanker trucks—which command a premium.

Getting Licensed in MA

Massachusetts has specific requirements for Commercial Driver's License (CDL) holders. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Eligibility & Learner's Permit: You must be at least 18 (21 for interstate driving) and hold a valid MA Class D license. You'll need to pass a written knowledge test for the CDL permit. Study the Massachusetts Commercial Driver's License Manual.
2. Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT): As of 2022, FMCSA requires all first-time CDL applicants (Class A or B) to complete ELDT from a registered provider. In Massachusetts, this is a prerequisite for the skills test. Local schools like Quincy College's Continuing Education or MTI Career Training in nearby Randolph offer ELDT programs, typically lasting 160 hours over 4-8 weeks, costing $3,000 - $5,000.
3. Skills Test: After ELDT, you schedule a skills test with the RMV. This includes a pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and an on-road driving test. Practice in the vehicle you'll test in.
4. Endorsements: For most Quincy jobs, you'll want:
   • H (Hazmat): Required for fuel/oil delivery. Cost: ~$75 for the TSA background check + testing fee.
   • N (Tank Vehicle): For fuel tankers.
   • X (Combination Tanker/Hazmat): The most valuable for fuel jobs.
5. Total Cost & Timeline: Expect to spend $4,000 - $6,000 total for training, tests, and endorsements. The timeline from starting ELDT to holding a full CDL is typically 3-5 months.

Insider Tip: Many local companies, like Sullivan's or Granite City, will reimburse training costs if you commit to working for them for a set period (e.g., 1-2 years). Always ask about tuition reimbursement during interviews.

Best Neighborhoods for Heavy Truck Drivers

Your choice of neighborhood affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Quincy is divided into several distinct villages, each with a different feel.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Pros for Drivers
West Quincy	Residential, quiet. Close to I-93 and Rt-128.	$2,200	Easy access to highways for routes to Boston or the South Shore.
Quincy Center	Urban core, walkable.	$2,500	Central location for local delivery jobs; public transit access for off-days.
Wollaston	Beach-adjacent, family-friendly.	$2,400	Near the shipyard and industrial areas; coastal lifestyle.
North Quincy	Diverse, busy.	$2,300	Direct Red Line access (for personal trips), good value. Avoid if you have a large truck for home parking.
Houghs Neck	Tight-knit, maritime.	$2,100	Close to the port and shipyard; more affordable but limited parking for rigs.

Insider Tip: If you drive a tractor-trailer, parking is a major issue. Most apartment complexes have strict "no commercial vehicle" policies. West Quincy and the outskirts near the industrial parks offer more options for driveway or street parking. Always confirm parking rules before signing a lease.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Staying a company driver for decades is a valid path, but Quincy offers avenues for growth if you're ambitious.

• Specialty Premiums: The biggest salary boost comes from endorsements. A driver with a Hazmat-Tank (X) endorsement can earn $5,000 - $10,000 more annually than a standard driver. Similarly, drivers with flatbed experience for construction materials are in demand.
• Advancement Paths:
  • Driver/Trainer: Senior drivers can train new hires for an extra premium.
  • Logistics/Dispatcher: With experience, you can move into a desk role planning routes and managing the fleet. This leverages your on-the-road knowledge.
  • Owner-Operator: This is the ultimate goal for many. Leasing or buying your own truck (e.g., a used Kenworth or Peterbilt) and contracting with local companies (like those listed above) can double your income, but it comes with significant upfront cost, maintenance, and regulatory burden. Startup costs can exceed $80,000 for a reliable used truck and insurance.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 4% growth is modest, reflecting an industry with stable demand but facing long-term questions about autonomous tech. However, for local, regional, and specialized routes in a dense area like Quincy, human drivers will remain essential for the foreseeable future. Your best bet for long-term security is to specialize in a niche (fuel, hazardous materials, oversized loads) that is harder to automate.

The Verdict: Is Quincy Right for You?

Quincy is a pragmatic choice for a Heavy Truck Driver. It's not the highest-paying market, but it offers stability, a range of employers, and the quality-of-life benefits of living near the ocean and Boston without the extreme price tag.

Pros	Cons
Competitive Salary for the region (Median: $54,937).	High Cost of Living (Index: 111.6), especially rent.
Diverse Job Pool in waste, construction, fuel, and port logistics.	Traffic Congestion on I-93 and local roads during rush hour.
Access to Major Cities for regional routes; proximity to Boston Port for potential maritime work.	Parking & Housing challenges for drivers with large personal vehicles or those seeking home-based truck parking.
Quality of Life with beaches, parks, and historic sites.	State Regulations (like the 5% income tax) reduce take-home pay.

Final Recommendation: Quincy is a "yes" for experienced drivers with specialized endorsements (Hazmat/Tanker) who can secure a job in the fuel or construction sectors. It's also a "maybe" for new drivers fresh out of school, as the high rent will be a serious stretch. For those considering a move, the best strategy is to secure a job offer first—ideally with a company that offers a signing bonus or relocation assistance—and then choose a neighborhood based on the commute to that specific workplace. Quincy is a working city, and for the right driver, it can be a stable and rewarding place to build a career.