Trades & Labor Lincoln, NE Pop. 291,082

Truck Driver Salary in Lincoln, Nebraska

The median truck driver salary in Lincoln, NE is $44,928 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 0.0% above the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$44,928
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-4,992
Cost of Living
90%

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

Lincoln offers a median truck driver salary of $44,928, which is $0 above the Nebraska state average of $44,928. Compared to the national median of $49,920, Lincoln pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Lincoln's cost of living is 90% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for truck drivers in Lincoln spans from $29,880 at the 10th percentile to $70,200 at the 90th percentile — a $40,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $31,500, while senior truck drivers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $64,800. With a population of 291,082, Lincoln is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Truck Driver Salary in Lincoln by Experience

In Lincoln, an entry-level truck driver earns around $31,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $64,800 per year. The local cost of living index 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

Salary Percentiles in Lincoln, NE

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

Truck Driver Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$46,426
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$45,926
Pop. 64,176
Kearney, NE
$42,931
Pop. 33,464
Grand Island, NE
$41,933
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Truck Driver in Lincoln

Education

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

Find Truck Driver Jobs in Lincoln

Browse open truck driver positions in Lincoln, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Truck Driver Salary in Lincoln

How much does a Truck Driver make in Lincoln, NE? ▼
The median truck driver salary in Lincoln, 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 Lincoln? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $44,928, a truck driver in Lincoln earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lincoln compare to the Nebraska state average for truck driver pay? ▼
Lincoln's median truck driver salary of $44,928 is 0.0% above the Nebraska state average of $44,928. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lincoln, NE? ▼
Lincoln has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a truck driver salary of $44,928 in Lincoln has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a truck driver in Lincoln? ▼
Most truck driver positions in Lincoln 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.