Updated May 2026
CDL Driver Salary in Lincoln, Nebraska (May 2026)
In Lincoln, Nebraska as of May 2026, the typical CDL driver brings home $2,822 per week (median $2,100). Based on 1,329 active CDL postings in Lanefinder's index. 31% of postings include a sign-on bonus, averaging $2,092. 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 May 2026
We just started tracking monthly changes for this view. Check back next month to see how rankings have shifted.
Where Lincoln, Nebraska differs from the Nebraska baseline
| Lincoln, Nebraska | Nebraska | Delta | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average weekly pay | $2,822 | $2,467 | +14% |
| OTR (long-haul) routes | 90% | 85% | +5 pt |
Source: Lanefinder index, May 2026
Lincoln, Nebraska's biggest divergence from Nebraska is on average weekly pay, 14% 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) | $2,252 | $2,050 | 588 |
| Company Driver (W2) | $1,616 | $1,600 | 401 |
| Owner Operator | $7,157 | $7,000 | 340 |
Source: Lanefinder index, May 2026
What Lincoln, Nebraska drivers actually run
8% of Lincoln, Nebraska's active CDL postings are regional and 90% are OTR; local plus semi-local accounts for the rest (2%).
Across Lincoln, Nebraska CDL postings: 1% with guaranteed pay, 26% dedicated, 90% take-truck-home, 73% pet-friendly, 71% riders-allowed.
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 among the lowest in the country. 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 May 2026.