Trucking Jobs: Nebraska vs Iowa
Side-by-side comparison of salaries, cost of living, taxes, job availability, freight routes, and CDL requirements for truck drivers.
Higher Pay
Tied
Lower COL
Iowa
More Jobs
Iowa
Lower Tax
Comparable
Salary Comparison
Tie| Metric | Nebraska | Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $59,000 | $59,000 |
| Salary Range | $47,000 - $70,000 | $47,000 - $70,000 |
| Minimum | $47,000 | $47,000 |
| Maximum | $70,000 | $70,000 |
Cost of Living & Taxes
Iowa wins| Metric | Nebraska | Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| COL Index (100 = national avg) | 90 | 88 |
| State Income Tax | 2.46%–5.84% progressive | 4.4%–5.7% progressive |
Job Availability
Iowa wins| Metric | Nebraska | Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Job Availability Rating | Moderate | Moderate |
| Est. Annual CDL Openings | 3,600 | 4,800 |
Top Trucking Companies
Nebraska
- 1Werner Enterprises (HQ Omaha)
- 2Crete Carrier (HQ Crete)
- 3Bosselman Enterprises
- 4Anderson Trucking
- 5Sapp Bros
Iowa
- 1TMC Transportation (HQ Des Moines)
- 2CRST International (HQ Cedar Rapids)
- 3Heartland Express (HQ N. Liberty)
- 4Ruan Transportation
- 5Anderson Trucking
Key Freight Routes
Nebraska
- I-80 (Omaha–Lincoln–North Platte–WY)
- I-76 (Ogallala–Denver)
- US-81 (north–south central)
- US-30 (Lincoln Highway)
Iowa
- I-80 (Des Moines–Davenport/Council Bluffs)
- I-35 (Des Moines–Minneapolis)
- I-380 (Cedar Rapids–Iowa City)
- US-20 (Dubuque–Sioux City)
CDL Requirements
Nebraska
Min Age: 18 (intrastate), 21 (interstate)
18 for intrastate, 21 for interstate. Nebraska DMV administers CDL testing at exam stations.
Iowa
Min Age: 18 (intrastate), 21 (interstate)
18 for intrastate, 21 for interstate. Iowa DOT administers CDL testing at driver's license stations.
Weather & Driving Conditions
Nebraska
Weather
Cold winters with snow and blizzards. Hot summers with severe thunderstorms. Tornado risk.
Driving Challenges
I-80 winter blizzards, strong crosswinds, tornado season, long distances between Omaha and western NE.
Iowa
Weather
Cold winters with snow and blizzards. Hot humid summers. Flooding risk along rivers.
Driving Challenges
Winter blizzards on I-80, river flooding, ice storms, wind on I-35 corridor.
Overall Comparison Summary
Higher Pay
Tie
Lower COL
IA
More Jobs
IA
Lower Tax
Tie
Iowa leads in 2 of 4 categories. However, the best state for you depends on your specific situation—freight specialization, family location, and career goals all matter.
Frequently Asked Questions: Nebraska vs Iowa
How does trucking compare in Nebraska and Iowa?
Pay is identical ($47K–$70K ranges), and both states have moderate job availability. Nebraska hosts Werner Enterprises and Crete Carrier (two major national carriers) headquartered in the state. Iowa has TMC, CRST, and Heartland Express. Iowa has slightly more openings (4,800 vs 3,600). Living costs are comparable (90 vs 88).
What freight types dominate in Nebraska vs Iowa?
Both states move massive amounts of agricultural freight—grain, livestock, ethanol, and farm equipment. Nebraska also handles significant I-80 through-traffic (coast-to-coast corridor). Iowa's Cedar Rapids and Quad Cities have more manufacturing freight. Both states are critical links in the Midwest agricultural supply chain.
Which state has better I-80 driving conditions?
Iowa's I-80 section is flatter with fewer wind issues. Nebraska's I-80—especially west of North Platte—crosses open plains where crosswinds can be severe and blizzards create dangerous conditions. Both states deal with winter ice and snow, but Nebraska's western stretches are more remote with longer gaps between services.
Explore Each State
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