Trades & Labor Kearney, NE Pop. 33,464

Truck Driver Salary in Kearney, Nebraska

The median truck driver salary in Kearney, NE is $42,931 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$42,931
vs State Avg
$-1,997
vs National
$-6,989
Cost of Living
86%

Truck Driver Pay in Kearney: What to Expect (2026)

Kearney offers a median truck driver salary of $42,931, which is $1,997 below the Nebraska state average of $44,928. Compared to the national median of $49,920, Kearney pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Kearney's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $42,931 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $49,920 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for truck drivers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for truck drivers in Kearney spans from $28,552 at the 10th percentile to $67,080 at the 90th percentile — a $38,528 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,100, while senior truck drivers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $61,920. Kearney is a smaller market (pop. 33,464), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Truck Driver Salary in Kearney by Experience

In Kearney, an entry-level truck driver earns around $30,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $61,920 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,100
$-4,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$43,000
$-7,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$61,920
$-10,080 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kearney, NE

Percentile Kearney
10th Percentile $28,552
25th Percentile $34,572
Median (50th) $42,931
75th Percentile $54,868
90th Percentile $67,080

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
Grand Island, NE
$41,933
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Truck Driver in Kearney

Education

Most truck driver positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Kearney 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 Kearney may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Truck Driver Jobs in Kearney

Browse open truck driver positions in Kearney, NE:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Truck Driver Salary in Kearney

How much does a Truck Driver make in Kearney, NE? ▼
The median truck driver salary in Kearney, Nebraska is $42,931 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $49,920. Salaries range from $28,552 (10th percentile) to $67,080 (90th percentile).
How much does a Truck Driver make per hour in Kearney? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $42,931, a truck driver in Kearney earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kearney compare to the Nebraska state average for truck driver pay? ▼
Kearney's median truck driver salary of $42,931 is 4.4% below the Nebraska state average of $44,928. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Kearney, NE? ▼
Kearney has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a truck driver salary of $42,931 in Kearney has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a truck driver in Kearney? ▼
Most truck driver positions in Kearney 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.