BLS OEWS 2023 — SOC 53-3032: Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
National mean: $51,040/year · Nebraska: $51,970/year · Difference: +$930/year
| Metric | Nebraska | National |
|---|---|---|
| Mean Annual Wage | $51,970 | $51,040 |
| Mean Hourly Wage | $25.00 | $24.54 |
| Median Annual Wage | $49,090 | $46,240 |
| Median Hourly Wage | $23.60 | $22.23 |
| Drivers Employed | 22K | 1,811K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2023 — SOC 53-3032: Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers.
The average (mean) truck driver salary in Nebraska is $51,970 per year ($25.00/hr) according to BLS OEWS 2023 data (SOC 53-3032). The median is $49,090/year. Approximately 22 thousand drivers work in this category in Nebraska.
Nebraska ranks #28 out of 50 states. The national mean is $51,040/year; Nebraska is $930 higher (+1.8%).
Pay depends on freight volume, proximity to major distribution hubs and ports, cost of living, employer type (private fleet vs. for-hire), experience, CDL endorsements, and route type (OTR vs. regional vs. local). Specialized freight — hazmat, reefer, flatbed, oversized — typically pays a premium over dry van rates in any state.