Trades & Labor Nebraska (NE) Rank #37 of 50

Truck Driver Salary in Nebraska

The median truck driver salary in Nebraska is $44,928 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $49,920.

Median Salary
$44,928
vs National
$-4,992
State Rank
#37 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Truck Driver Salary Overview in Nebraska (2026)

Nebraska ranks #37 out of 50 states for truck driver compensation. Truck Driver salaries in Nebraska are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $44,928 per year, truck drivers in Nebraska earn $4,992 less than the national median of $49,920.

A key advantage of working in Nebraska is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $44,928 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $49,920 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Nebraska is significant: truck drivers at the 10th percentile earn $29,880, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $70,200 — a $40,320 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Nebraska for this role is Omaha, where the median reaches $46,426.

Nationally, truck driver employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for truck drivers across the country.

Truck Driver Salary in Nebraska by Experience

In Nebraska, an entry-level truck driver earns around $31,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $64,800 per year. The cost of living index in Nebraska is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,500
$-3,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$45,000
$-5,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$64,800
$-7,200 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Nebraska

Percentile NE Salary
10th Percentile $29,880
25th Percentile $36,180
Median (50th) $44,928
75th Percentile $57,420
90th Percentile $70,200

Truck Driver Salary by City in Nebraska

The largest employment areas for truck drivers in Nebraska include Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, and Grand Island. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Truck Driver in Nebraska

Education

Most truck driver positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Nebraska has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

CDL LicenseRoute PlanningVehicle InspectionDOT RegulationsTime ManagementDefensive Driving

Job Outlook in Nebraska

Nationally, truck driver employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Nebraska's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Truck Driver Salary in Nebraska

How much does a Truck Driver make in Nebraska? ▼
The median truck driver salary in Nebraska is $44,928 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $49,920. Salaries range from $29,880 (10th percentile) to $70,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Truck Driver make per hour in Nebraska? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $44,928, a truck driver in Nebraska earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Nebraska a good state for truck drivers? ▼
Nebraska ranks #37 out of 50 states for truck driver pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level truck drivers earn $31,500, while senior professionals earn $64,800.
How does Nebraska compare to other states for truck driver salary? ▼
The highest paying state for truck drivers is Hawaii at $88,858. Nebraska's median of $44,928 ranks #37 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Wisconsin ($45,926) and Michigan ($44,928).
What is the entry-level truck driver salary in Nebraska? ▼
An entry-level truck driver in Nebraska earns approximately $31,500 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $45,000. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $64,800.
What city in Nebraska pays truck drivers the most? ▼
Omaha is the highest paying city in Nebraska for truck drivers, with a median salary of $46,426. Other cities include Lincoln and Bellevue.