Truck Driver Salary in Kearney
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Kearney, Nebraska. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$57,667
CDL-B Avg
$43,200
Non-CDL Avg
$46,771
Owner-Op Gross
$184,320
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Kearney truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Kearney
Kearney's cost of living is 12% below the national average. Your trucking salary stretches further here than in most cities.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$57,667
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$65,531
After adjusting for Kearney's cost of living index of 88, a CDL-A salary of $57,667 provides the same purchasing power as $65,531 in an average-cost area. Your money goes further in Kearney than the raw salary suggests.
Kearney vs Nebraska vs National Average
| Metric | Kearney | NE Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $57,667 | $60,070 | $58,710 |
| vs State | $-2,403 | ||
| vs National | $-1,043 | ||
| Cost of Living | 88 | 90 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $65,531 | $66,744 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Kearney
Trucking pay in Kearney has remained steady, supported by consistent freight demand from distribution & warehousing and meatpacking. The Nebraska market offers reliable work with predictable earnings for CDL drivers.
Which carriers run freight through Kearney?
These are large carriers with a real presence in the region. We do not publish what any of them pays in Kearney — that is a number only the carrier and the driver know, and it moves with the account, the lane and your record. Ask for it in cents per mile alongside the expected weekly miles.
- Schneider National
- J.B. Hunt
- TMC Transportation
- Crete Carrier
Read our carrier profiles for pay structure, home time and equipment on each one.
Industries Driving Trucking Demand in Kearney
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Kearney market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Kearney
Browse CDL driver positions in Kearney, NE from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Kearney
What is the average truck driver salary in Kearney, NE?
CDL-A truck drivers in Kearney, Nebraska earn an average of $57,667 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Kearney market is influenced by distribution & warehousing and meatpacking freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Kearney?
Owner-operators based in Kearney gross approximately $184,320 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $70,042 to $88,474. The Kearney area's cost of living index of 88 is below the national average by 12%.
Is Kearney a good city for trucking jobs?
Kearney offers strong trucking employment thanks to its distribution & warehousing and meatpacking sectors. The city's cost of living is below the national average, which means your paycheck goes further here than in many metros. CDL drivers with hazmat or tanker endorsements can earn 10-20% above the city average.