How Much Do Commercial Truck Drivers Make in Maine?

Maine is known for its rugged coastlines, vast forests, and strong blue-collar workforce—and trucking plays a key role in keeping its economy moving. From seafood and lumber to manufactured goods and heating fuel, the demand for CDL drivers in Maine continues to grow.

Whether you're looking for a new career or a better-paying job, Maine offers steady work and competitive pay for commercial truck drivers. And with CDL eXpert’s online training, you can get started quickly—for just $69.95.

What Do Truck Drivers Earn in Maine?

Salaries in Maine vary depending on experience, freight type, and whether you hold any CDL endorsements. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

• Entry-Level Drivers – Start between $43,000 and $52,000 per year.

• Experienced Drivers – With several years of experience, earnings rise to $55,000 to $75,000 annually.

• Class A CDL Drivers – Long-haul or specialty drivers make $65,000 to $90,000+.

• Owner-Operators – Independent drivers in Maine can earn $150,000 to $230,000+, depending on contracts and operating costs.

Drivers with endorsements like HazMat, Tanker, or Doubles/Triples often earn 10–30% more, especially when hauling fuel, chemicals, or heavy equipment.

Check out our article on the cost of obtaining your CDL in Maine to learn more.

Highest-Paying Areas for Truck Drivers in Maine

Maine’s geography means drivers often run long regional or interstate routes. These areas typically offer the best pay:

Portland – Maine’s largest city and a major freight hub with access to I-95. Truckers here can earn $65,000 to $90,000, especially those handling regional and reefer freight.

Bangor – With strong routes to northern Maine and Canada, drivers earn $60,000 to $85,000, particularly in flatbed and long-haul work.

Lewiston–Auburn – Known for manufacturing and food production, CDL drivers in this area average $58,000 to $80,000.

Augusta – Regional drivers based in the capital can earn between $56,000 and $78,000, especially in agriculture and retail freight.

Northern and Rural Maine – Hauling lumber, heating fuel, or seasonal freight in more remote areas can lead to pay in the $60,000 to $88,000 range, depending on the load and route.

Industries That Pay the Most for CDL Drivers in Maine

Truck drivers in Maine can earn more by specializing in high-demand local industries:

• Lumber & Forestry Freight – Maine is one of the most heavily forested states in the U.S. Flatbed and heavy-haul drivers are in demand year-round.

• Seafood & Refrigerated Freight – Transporting fresh and frozen seafood (especially lobster and shellfish) offers solid pay for reefer-certified drivers.

• Heating Fuel & HazMat Transport – Winters in Maine create strong demand for drivers with Tanker and HazMat endorsements to deliver propane, oil, and chemicals.

• Agriculture & Seasonal Freight – Potatoes, blueberries, and dairy products move during peak harvests, offering seasonal bonuses.

• Retail & Final-Mile Delivery – With fewer supply chain links in rural Maine, regional drivers are needed to move goods from warehouses to smaller communities.

What Impacts Truck Driver Pay in Maine?

Several key factors affect your income as a truck driver:

• Experience Level – More experience = more money and access to premium loads.

• Freight Type – Specialized freight like HazMat, reefer, or oversized loads offers higher pay.

• Endorsements – HazMat, Tanker, and Doubles/Triples expand your job options.

• Route Type – OTR (Over-the-Road) and regional routes pay more than local deliveries.

• Seasonality – Heating season, summer tourism, and harvest times often drive up demand—and rates.

How to Earn More as a Truck Driver in Maine

Want to increase your earnings behind the wheel? Here’s how:

• Get CDL Endorsements – HazMat, Tanker, and Doubles/Triples are especially valuable in Maine.

• Choose High-Demand Industries – Target freight tied to lumber, fuel, seafood, and agriculture.

• Run Regional or Interstate Routes – Maine’s location requires longer hauls, which usually pay better.

• Ask About Bonuses – Many carriers offer incentives for performance, safety, or winter driving.

• Become an Owner-Operator – Independent drivers in rural and cross-border freight can earn a high income.

Is Trucking a Good Career in Maine?

Absolutely. Maine’s economy depends on skilled truck drivers to connect its ports, forests, farms, and towns to the rest of New England and Canada. With limited rail and fewer large distribution centers, CDL drivers are essential—and in demand.

Trucking is one of the few high-paying careers in Maine that doesn’t require a college degree. Whether you're in a city like Portland or a rural town up north, there's a reliable and well-paying trucking job waiting for you.

Start Your Trucking Career in Maine for Just $69.95

CDL eXpert offers everything you need to get started in trucking—without stepping foot in a classroom or spending thousands of dollars.

• FMCSA-Registered ELDT Training – Meets all federal requirements for CDL applicants.

• Fully Online & Mobile-Friendly – Train anytime from your phone, tablet, or laptop.

• Instant Certification – Finish the course, pass your test, and we’ll submit your results directly to the FMCSA.

• Only $69.95 – One-time payment, no hidden fees, and no expensive upsells.

• Job Placement Support – We’ll help connect you with trucking jobs in Maine and surrounding states.

Ready to Start a New Career?

Trucking offers great pay, job stability, and the chance to build a future without college debt. CDL eXpert’s training is fast, flexible, and affordable—just $69.95 to get certified and start your journey.

Enroll today and take the first step toward your CDL career in Maine.

FAQs

How much do truck drivers make in Maine? 

Most CDL drivers in Maine earn between $43,000 and $90,000, depending on experience and route type.

Where are the highest-paying jobs? 

Portland, Bangor, and Lewiston offer top pay due to freight volume and regional access.

What industries hire truckers in Maine? 

Lumber, seafood, agriculture, and heating fuel are top industries for CDL drivers.

How do I get started? Sign up for CDL eXpert’s online ELDT training—it’s only $69.95, and you can train from home and get certified fast.