Truck Driver Salary in Lincoln
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Lincoln, Nebraska. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$60,070
CDL-B Avg
$45,000
Non-CDL Avg
$48,720
Owner-Op Gross
$192,000
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Lincoln truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Lincoln
Lincoln'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
$60,070
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$68,261
After adjusting for Lincoln's cost of living index of 88, a CDL-A salary of $60,070 provides the same purchasing power as $68,261 in an average-cost area. Your money goes further in Lincoln than the raw salary suggests.
Lincoln vs Nebraska vs National Average
| Metric | Lincoln | NE Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $60,070 | $60,070 | $58,710 |
| vs State | +$0 | ||
| vs National | +$1,360 | ||
| Cost of Living | 88 | 90 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $68,261 | $66,744 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Lincoln
Trucking pay in Lincoln has remained steady, supported by consistent freight demand from government services and higher education. The Nebraska market offers reliable work with predictable earnings for CDL drivers.
Which carriers run freight through Lincoln?
These are large carriers with a real presence in the region. We do not publish what any of them pays in Lincoln — that is a number only the carrier and the driver know, and it moves with the account, the lane and your record.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 Lincoln
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Lincoln market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Lincoln
Browse CDL driver positions in Lincoln, NE from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Lincoln
What is the average truck driver salary in Lincoln, NE?
CDL-A truck drivers in Lincoln, Nebraska earn an average of $60,070 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Lincoln market is influenced by government services and higher education freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Lincoln?
Owner-operators based in Lincoln gross approximately $192,000 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $72,960 to $92,160. The Lincoln area's cost of living index of 88 is below the national average by 12%.
Is Lincoln a good city for trucking jobs?
Lincoln offers strong trucking employment thanks to its government services and higher education 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.