Trades & Labor Grand Island, NE Pop. 53,131

Truck Driver Salary in Grand Island, Nebraska

The median truck driver salary in Grand Island, NE is $41,933 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 6.7% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$41,933
vs State Avg
$-2,995
vs National
$-7,987
Cost of Living
84%

Truck Driver Pay in Grand Island: What to Expect (2026)

Grand Island offers a median truck driver salary of $41,933, which is $2,995 below the Nebraska state average of $44,928. Compared to the national median of $49,920, Grand Island pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Grand Island's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $41,933 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $49,920 in an average-cost city. This makes Grand Island an attractive option for truck drivers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for truck drivers in Grand Island spans from $27,888 at the 10th percentile to $65,520 at the 90th percentile — a $37,632 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,400, while senior truck drivers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $60,480. Grand Island is a smaller market (pop. 53,131), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Truck Driver Salary in Grand Island by Experience

In Grand Island, an entry-level truck driver earns around $29,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $60,480 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,400
$-5,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$42,000
$-8,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$60,480
$-11,520 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Grand Island, NE

Percentile Grand Island
10th Percentile $27,888
25th Percentile $33,768
Median (50th) $41,933
75th Percentile $53,592
90th Percentile $65,520

Truck Driver Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$46,426
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$45,926
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$44,928
Pop. 291,082
Kearney, NE
$42,931
Pop. 33,464

How to Become a Truck Driver in Grand Island

Education

Most truck driver positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Grand Island and the surrounding Nebraska area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

CDL LicenseRoute PlanningVehicle InspectionDOT RegulationsTime ManagementDefensive Driving

Job Outlook

Nationally, truck driver employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Grand Island may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Truck Driver Jobs in Grand Island

Browse open truck driver positions in Grand Island, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Truck Driver Salary in Grand Island

How much does a Truck Driver make in Grand Island, NE? ▼
The median truck driver salary in Grand Island, Nebraska is $41,933 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $49,920. Salaries range from $27,888 (10th percentile) to $65,520 (90th percentile).
How much does a Truck Driver make per hour in Grand Island? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $41,933, a truck driver in Grand Island earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Grand Island compare to the Nebraska state average for truck driver pay? ▼
Grand Island's median truck driver salary of $41,933 is 6.7% below the Nebraska state average of $44,928. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Grand Island, NE? ▼
Grand Island has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a truck driver salary of $41,933 in Grand Island has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a truck driver in Grand Island? ▼
Most truck driver positions in Grand Island require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include CDL License, Route Planning, Vehicle Inspection, DOT Regulations. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.