Truck Driver Salary in Nebraska 2026
The average truck driver salary in Nebraska is $1,784 per week as of 2026 — that's approximately $92,768 annually (or about $44.60 per hour) for qualified CDL drivers.
Truck driver salary in Nebraska, 2026
How much does a Truck Driver make in Nebraska?
Nebraska Salary Snapshot
Nebraska Truck Driver Pay at a Glance
Real wage data for Nebraska pulled together in one clear view, so you know exactly what to expect before you get behind the wheel. From entry-level to top earners, wages span $44.0k – $195.4k annually
$92,768
Average Annual Salary
$1,784
Average Weekly Pay
$44.60
Average Hourly Pay
$195.4k
Top Earners (High Range)
Nebraska Salary by City
Truck Driver Salary in Nebraska Cities
Pay varies across the Cornhusker State. Compare average earnings in Nebraska's top cities to find where your driving career pays the most – based on regional market trends and cost‑of‑living factors.
Omaha
$98,200/yr
Lincoln
$96,400/yr
Grand Island
$92,800/yr
Kearney
$93,100/yr
North Platte
$90,500/yr
Norfolk
$89,200/yr
Pay by Role
Nebraska Salary by Driver Type
Earnings shift depending on the type of driving you do. Compare Nebraska‑specific role averages to find the route that fits your income goals and lifestyle.
OTR Driver
$99,256/yr avg
Long-haul routes across multiple states, offering the highest earning potential in trucking.
View JobsRegional Driver
$93,652/yr avg
Multi-state routes within a defined region, balancing solid pay with more time at home.
View JobsLocal Driver
$84,447/yr avg
Short daily routes within a city or nearby area, ideal for drivers who want to be home every night.
View JobsDedicated Driver
$97,455/yr avg
Consistent routes for a single client, delivering predictable schedules and reliable income.
View JobsFlatbed Driver
$101,957/yr avg
Hauls oversized and open‑deck freight, commanding premium pay for specialized skill.
View JobsHazmat Driver
$114,164/yr avg
Transports hazardous materials and earns the highest average pay for certified specialists.
View JobsWhat Affects Truck Driver Salary in Nebraska?
Truck driver pay isn't determined by a single factor. This dashboard highlights the key elements that influence earnings in Nebraska and shows where drivers can maximize their income.
Solid Earnings in Nebraska
Nebraska truck drivers earn an average of $1,784 per week ($92,768/year), which is 7% above the national average. Drivers with endorsements, dedicated routes, and strong safety records still have the opportunity to earn at the top of the range — up to $195,416 annually. These figures are based on 5,000 real Indeed salaries.
Experience
18%Route Type
24%CDL Endorsements
31%Miles Driven
21%Company
16%Driving Record
27%Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about truck driver pay in Nebraska, answered in plain terms — based on real Indeed data.
What is the average truck driver salary in Nebraska?
The average truck driver in Nebraska earns around $92,768 per year, which breaks down to roughly $1,784 per week or ~$44.60 per hour (based on a 40-hour week). Pay varies based on route type, experience, and the company you drive for. Nebraska salaries are 7% above the national average, and drivers with specialized endorsements can earn well over the average — with top earners reaching up to $195,416 annually.
Which Nebraska city pays truck drivers the most?
Omaha ($98,200/year) leads the state as Nebraska's largest city and a major logistics hub along I‑80 and I‑29, followed by Lincoln ($96,400) — the state capital and a key manufacturing & distribution center on I‑80 — and Kearney ($93,100), a growing retail logistics hub along the I‑80 corridor. Grand Island ($92,800) aligns closely with the state average, while North Platte ($90,500) and Norfolk ($89,200) trend slightly below. The highest‑paying companies in Nebraska specialize in dedicated OTR routes, flatbed freight serving agriculture and manufacturing, and hazmat transport — especially around the Omaha, Lincoln, and Grand Island areas and along the I‑80, I‑29, and I‑76 freight corridors.
Do local drivers make more than OTR drivers?
Generally no. OTR drivers tend to earn more overall because of higher mileage and longer routes, while local drivers trade some income for the benefit of being home every day. In Nebraska, specialized OTR routes — especially those connecting the Omaha industrial hub, Lincoln distribution centers, and Grand Island agricultural corridors to the broader Western and Midwestern markets — can significantly boost earnings well beyond the state average.
Does experience affect truck driver salary?
Yes, significantly. Drivers with several years of clean‑record experience often qualify for premium routes and specialized freight, which can raise annual pay well above the $92,768 Nebraska average. Top earners in Nebraska can make up to $195,416 per year.
How can truck drivers earn more in Nebraska?
Adding CDL endorsements (hazmat, tanker, doubles/triples), taking on flatbed or specialized freight, driving more miles, and maintaining a clean safety record are the fastest ways to increase earnings. Top Nebraska companies offer salaries well above the state average for experienced drivers with the right credentials, especially in key logistics hubs like the Omaha rail and truck hub, Lincoln distribution corridor, and Grand Island agricultural center along I‑80 (east‑west coast corridor through Chicago and Denver), I‑29 (north‑south route connecting Kansas City to Sioux City and Canada), and I‑76 (Denver to I‑80) that connect the Cornhusker State to the broader Western, Midwestern, and Gulf markets. Nebraska's robust agriculture (corn, soybeans, cattle/beef), manufacturing, distribution and logistics, and rail (Union Pacific headquarters in Omaha) sectors create steady demand for specialized freight haulers, and the state's position as a national crossroads along the I‑80 corridor provides unique opportunities for long‑haul and regional freight.
Are CDL endorsements worth it?
In most cases, yes. Endorsements like hazmat or tanker require extra testing but open access to specialized freight that pays noticeably more than standard routes. In Nebraska, hazmat drivers can earn well above the state average of $92,768, with top earners reaching up to $195,416 annually — especially those servicing the state's robust agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, and rail sectors, plus the growing distribution networks across the Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island, and Kearney areas and along the I‑80, I‑29, and I‑76 corridors that connect Nebraska to the greater Western, Midwestern, and Gulf markets.
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