Updated November 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Lincoln, Nebraska (November 2026)
In Lincoln, Nebraska as of November 2026, the typical CDL driver brings home $2,599 per week (median $2,050). Based on 1,356 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 31% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $1,955. Lincoln sits at the I-80 / US-77 intersection, serving as Nebraska's secondary distribution hub with agricultural commodity flows, University of Nebraska institutional procurement, and manufacturing distribution for eastern Nebraska.
What changed in November 2026
No major rank changes this month — the top carriers have held their positions since October 2026.
Where Lincoln, Nebraska differs from the Nebraska baseline
| Lincoln, Nebraska | Nebraska | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,599 | $2,363 | +10% |
| OTR (long-haul) routes | 91% | 85% | +6 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
Lincoln, Nebraska's biggest divergence from Nebraska is on average weekly pay, 10% above the state baseline.
How CDL pay breaks down in Lincoln, Nebraska
Across active CDL postings in Lincoln, Nebraska this month, pay varies meaningfully by hiring type. The breakdown below shows the average and median weekly pay for each.
| Hiring type | Avg/wk | Median/wk | Active postings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Independent Contractor (1099) | $2,345 | $2,150 | 622 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,621 | $1,600 | 405 |
| Owner Operator | $7,156 | $7,125 | 329 |
Source: Lanefinder index, November 2026
What Lincoln, Nebraska drivers actually run
8% of Lincoln, Nebraska's active CDL postings are regional and 91% are OTR; local plus semi-local accounts for the rest (1%).
Across Lincoln, Nebraska CDL postings: 2% with guaranteed pay, 28% dedicated, 89% take-truck-home, 71% pet-friendly, 69% riders-allowed.
Driving CDL in Lincoln
Lincoln anchors southeastern Nebraska on I-80. State government supply chains, University of Nebraska distribution, and agricultural processing drive consistent volume. Living costs run substantially below most US metros. Winter weather on the prairie can be severe; tornado activity in spring is real.
Driving CDL in Nebraska
Nebraska sits on the I-80 transcontinental freight corridor through Omaha, which also serves as Union Pacific Railroad's national headquarters — the rail-to-truck interchange volume is enormous. Agricultural commodity freight — corn, beef, pork — defines the lane structure outside the metros. Cost of living is below the national average. Nebraska has a moderate graduated state income tax (recently phasing down). I-80 west of Lincoln is one of the more weather-exposed stretches in the Midwest — drifting snow and ice are real annual operational variables.
Related guides
- Best trucking companies in Lincoln, Nebraska
- Best owner-operator companies in Lincoln, Nebraska
- CDL driver salary in Nebraska
The methodology behind the rankings
The composite score is 30% compensation, 25% FMCSA safety, 25% benefits, and 20% operational performance. Pay percentiles are computed against carriers currently hiring in each market; FMCSA percentiles come from SAFER and weight unsafe-driving and hours-of-service violations 2× heavier than the other three dimensions. Updated November 2026.