Truck Driver Salary in Nebraska (2026): BLS OEWS Data, Top Metros & Carriers
Last verified: 2026-04-20 against the BLS OEWS 53-3032 May 2024 release (published March 2025).
Nebraska is a trucking headquarters state out of proportion to its population. Werner Enterprises (HQ Omaha) is one of the largest truckload carriers in the U.S. Crete Carrier Corporation (HQ Lincoln) and its sister Shaffer Trucking + Hunt Transportation operate significant fleets. The state's I-80 corridor position, agricultural freight (corn, soybeans, cattle, ethanol), and carrier density anchor the freight economy.
Key Takeaways
- BLS OEWS 53-3032, May 2024 — Nebraska state median: $56,230. Employment: ~21,250.2
- Nebraska median sits ~$1,210 below the national median — moderately below, offset by low cost of living.
- Top paying metros: Omaha–Council Bluffs MSA, Lincoln MSA.
- Distinguishing features: Werner Enterprises HQ Omaha, Crete Carrier HQ Lincoln, I-80 corridor density, agricultural + ethanol freight, low cost of living.
Nebraska Truck Driver Wages — BLS OEWS 53-3032 State Data
Verify at https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ne.htm.2
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Annual median wage | $56,230 |
| State employment | ~21,250 |
| State vs national median | −$1,210 (−2.1%) |
How Nebraska Compares to the National Median
Nebraska's $56,230 median sits modestly below national.12 BEA RPP for Nebraska is below the national index — real purchasing power is strong.3 State income tax progressive to ~6.64%.
Top Nebraska Metros for Truck Drivers
Omaha–Council Bluffs MSA
- Werner Enterprises HQ — major truckload carrier.
- Union Pacific HQ — rail intermodal connections.
- ConAgra Foods, Berkshire Hathaway HQ + BNSF ops.
- I-80 / I-29 / I-480 convergence.
Data: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_36540.htm.4
Lincoln MSA
- Crete Carrier HQ — truckload carrier.
- University of Nebraska + state government.
- Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing.
- I-80 corridor.
Data: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_30700.htm.4
Major Freight Industries Driving Nebraska Pay
| Industry | Endorsement fit | Pay band |
|---|---|---|
| Werner / Crete truckload OTR | None | $55–$82k |
| Agricultural bulk (corn, cattle, ethanol) | N for liquids | $55–$78k |
| Meat packing freight (Omaha, Grand Island) | None | $55–$75k |
| LTL linehaul | T | $72–$95k experienced |
| Fuel / chemical tanker | X | $65–$90k |
Major Carriers Hiring in Nebraska
- Nebraska HQ: Werner Enterprises (Omaha) — top truckload. Crete Carrier Corporation (Lincoln) — with sister carriers Shaffer Trucking and Hunt Transportation.
- Mega OTR: Schneider, CR England, Knight-Swift, Prime, Heartland.
- LTL: Old Dominion, Saia, XPO, FedEx Freight, Estes, ABF.
- Dedicated: Walmart Private Fleet, ConAgra, Tyson meat packing freight.
- Tanker: Kenan Advantage, Groendyke, Trimac.
Pay by Route Type
- OTR: $58–$80k; I-80 corridor freight plentiful.
- Regional (NE/IA/KS/SD/MO): $62–$85k.
- Local: $48–$78k.
- Dedicated: $58–$85k.
FAQs
How much does a truck driver make in Nebraska in 2026? Nebraska state median is $56,230 per BLS OEWS May 2024, with ~21,250 drivers employed.2 State sits ~$1,210 below national. Experienced LTL and tanker drivers push $80,000–$95,000+.
Is Werner Enterprises or Crete Carrier a good employer? Both are major Nebraska-HQ truckload carriers with substantial hiring volume. Werner is significantly larger. Specific program economics vary — verify in writing before accepting.
What are the largest carriers hiring in Nebraska in 2026? Werner Enterprises (Omaha), Crete Carrier Corporation (Lincoln), Schneider, Old Dominion, Saia, Walmart Private Fleet, Kenan Advantage.
Sources
-
BLS OEWS 53-3032 National. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes533032.htm ↩
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BLS OEWS Nebraska State. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ne.htm ↩↩↩↩
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BEA Regional Price Parities. https://www.bea.gov/data/prices-inflation/regional-price-parities-state-and-metro-area ↩
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BLS OEWS MSAs. Omaha: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_36540.htm · Lincoln: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_30700.htm · All NE: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oessrcma.htm ↩↩
