New Hampshire’s Department of Transportation will increase the pay rate for private snowplow contractors by 15% for the 2026–27 winter season, raising hourly compensation for commercial-licence operators from $26.45 to $30.42, the department told the Executive Council on Wednesday. The council approved the change.
“The department has always and — from what I see, for the foreseeable future — will continue to rely on engineering consultants and hired equipment to help us achieve our mission.”
David Rodrigue, commissioner of the Department of Transportation, presented the increase as a response to persistent staffing shortages. The department estimates the pay increase will add an additional $2 million to $3 million in cost for the 2026–27 winter season.
how the additional cost could be covered
- The department said the extra funding could come from the New Hampshire Highway Fund, which is supported by motor vehicle registration fees and gas taxes.
- Alternatively, funds could be drawn from the Turnpike Fund, which is financed by tolls.
- The DOT reported an overall vacancy rate of 26%, with the vacancy for plow drivers described as “significantly higher.”
Councilors of both parties voiced concern about relying on outside contractors while state pay and recruitment lag. Councilor Karen Liot Hill raised the possibility of a long-term downward spiral if the department does not expand its own workforce and instead depends on contractors.
Councilor John Stephen noted that the new private contractor rate is higher than the hourly rate for state-employed plow drivers and questioned the signal that sends to DOT staff. That exchange came during the council’s discussion before it voted to approve the rate change.
background and next steps
The department has for years supplemented its fleet and personnel with private contractors to meet winter maintenance demands. Rodrigue told councilors the reliance on contractors is expected to continue “for the foreseeable future,” given recruitment challenges.
| Item | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly rate for private plow operators (CDL) | $26.45 | $30.42 |
| Estimated additional statewide cost (2026–27) | $2 million–$3 million | |
| Reported DOT vacancy rate | 26% | |
The Executive Council’s approval allows the department to implement the higher contractor rate this winter. The department identified the Highway Fund and the Turnpike Fund as the likely sources to absorb the additional expense; no final funding transfer was detailed at the meeting.
The pay increase is intended to attract and retain private contractors to ensure winter road clearing across the state amid a shortage of qualified drivers within DOT ranks.
