CDL Truck Driver in Nebraska
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for NE
How to Become a CDL Truck Driver in Nebraska
To become a CDL Truck Driver in Nebraska, applicants must obtain a Commercial Driver's License from the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Key steps include completing FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT), passing a general knowledge and skills test, and submitting an application with a fee. Applicants must be at least 18 years old for intrastate driving or 21 for interstate, and a valid DOT medical certificate is mandatory. Nebraska has reciprocity agreements with Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and South Dakota.
CDL Truck Driver Requirements in Nebraska
| Detail | Nebraska |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) |
| Exam | CDL General Knowledge and Skills Test |
| Application Fee | $60 |
| Renewal | Every 5.0 years |
| Notes | Applicants must be 18+ for intrastate or 21+ for interstate commerce. A valid DOT medical certificate from a certified medical examiner on the FMCSA National Registry is required. A background check and fingerprinting are required for a Hazardous Materials endorsement. The Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) costs approximately $15 and must be held for at least 14 days before taking the skills test. Skills test fees are paid to third-party providers and vary (typically $150-$300) or are free if taken with the NE DMV. Federal ELDT is required for new applicants. Licenses issued to individuals under 21 expire on their 21st birthday. Licenses issued to individuals 21 or older expire on their birthday in the fifth year after issuance. |
License Tiers
Nebraska offers multiple tiers of cdl truck driver licensing:
| Tier | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| Class A | N/A |
| Class B | N/A |
| Class C | N/A |
CDL Truck Driver Salary in Nebraska
The median cdl truck driver salary in Nebraska is $57,940 per year, which is 0.9% above the national median of $57,440.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $38,960 |
| 25th | $45,830 |
| 50th (median) | $57,940 |
| 75th | $71,960 |
| 90th (experienced) | $92,890 |
Nebraska employs approximately 24,160 cdl truck drivers.
CDL Truck Driver Job Outlook
AI Impact on CDL Truck Drivers
Low AI Exposure (Score: -1.15/1.00)
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
Is Becoming a CDL Truck Driver in Nebraska Worth It?
Factors to consider: Nebraska's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.