Truck Driver Salary in Kearney
2026 salary data for CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator truck drivers in Kearney, Nebraska. Compare local pay to state and national averages.
CDL-A Avg
$53,193
CDL-B Avg
$41,491
Non-CDL Avg
$32,980
Owner-Op Gross
$164,898
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Kearney truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Kearney
Kearney's cost of living is 10% below the national average. Your trucking salary stretches further here than in most cities.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$53,193
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$59,103
After adjusting for Kearney's cost of living index of 90, a CDL-A salary of $53,193 provides the same purchasing power as $59,103 in an average-cost area. Your money goes further in Kearney than the raw salary suggests.
Kearney vs Nebraska vs National Average
| Metric | Kearney | NE Avg | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $53,193 | $55,800 | $58,710 |
| vs State | $-2,607 | ||
| vs National | $-5,517 | ||
| Cost of Living | 90 | 90 | 100 |
| Adjusted Purchasing Power | $59,103 | $62,000 | $58,710 |
Salary Trend in Kearney
Trucking pay in Kearney has remained steady, supported by consistent freight demand from distribution & warehousing and meatpacking. The Nebraska market offers reliable work with predictable earnings for CDL drivers.
Top Paying Companies in Kearney
These carriers and logistics companies offer some of the highest truck driver pay in the Kearney area.
| Company | Avg Annual Pay |
|---|---|
| 1ABF Freight | $64,823 |
| 2Schneider National | $61,963 |
| 3Hub Group | $61,010 |
| 4Ryder | $58,150 |
Industries Driving Trucking Demand in Kearney
These industries generate the most freight volume and trucking employment in the Kearney market.
Find Trucking Jobs in Kearney
Browse CDL driver positions in Kearney, NE from top carriers and local companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Kearney
What is the average truck driver salary in Kearney, NE?
CDL-A truck drivers in Kearney, Nebraska earn an average of $53,193 per year. Actual pay varies based on experience, endorsements, and whether you drive OTR, regional, or local routes. The Kearney market is influenced by distribution & warehousing and meatpacking freight demand.
How much do owner-operators make in Kearney?
Owner-operators based in Kearney gross approximately $164,898 annually before expenses. After deducting fuel, insurance, maintenance, and truck payments, net income typically ranges from $62,661 to $79,151. The Kearney area's cost of living index of 90 is below the national average by 10%.
Is Kearney a good city for trucking jobs?
Kearney offers strong trucking employment thanks to its distribution & warehousing and meatpacking 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.