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Are you looking for a job in a growing industry?
In that case, becoming a truck driver might be the right option for you.
However, there are some requirements you need to meet in order to start your career.
Read on for some info on how to become a truck driver in Nebraska!
Article Table of Contents
Getting Trained
This state has 6 truck driving and diesel technology schools.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Central Community College | 4500 63rd Street, Columbus, NE 68602 |
| Central Community College | 550 S. Technical Blvd, Hastings, NE 68902 |
| Central Community College | 3134 W Highway 34, Grand Island, NE 68802 |
| Central Community College | 1308 2nd Street, Holdrege, NE 68949 |
| Central Community College | 3519 Second Avenue, Kearney, NE 68845 |
| Central Community College | 1501 Plum Creek Parkway, Lexington, NE 68850 |
| Custom Diesel Drivers Training Inc | 14615 Cornhusker Rd, Omaha, NE 68138 |
| JTL Truck Driver Training Inc | 10008 Sapp Bros Drive, Omaha, NE 68138 |
| Metropolitan Community College | 5300 N 30th St., Omaha, NE 68111 |
| Northeast Community College | 801 E Benjamin Ave., Norfolk, NE 68702 |
| Northeast Community College | 1001 College Way P.O. Box 989, South Sioux City, NE 68776 |
| Northeast Community College | 202 Anna Stalp Avenue, West Point, NE 68788 |
| Western Nebraska Community College | 371 College Dr, Sidney, NE 69162 |
If you need the costs of training covered by the school, you should consider applying for a scholarship.
Central Community College in Grand Island is one of the schools offering scholarships in diesel technology.
Their scholarships also provide employment for 2 years after graduation.
Some of them include the Titan Machinery sponsorship and the Nebraska Machinery Company scholarship.
Finding a School in Nebraska
The school you choose should be based on how much time you can spend training, as well as the specialization you are looking to get.
While you can find a diesel technology program lasting for 1 year, most last for 2 years and offer an associate’s degree.
This option is a good choice if you want to receive a higher salary.
The truck driving programs generally last for 1 to 2 months and offer a Class A license.
Consider looking for a small size class, which will give you more chances to interact with your instructor on a more personal level.
You can also benefit from extra driving hours, increased lab hours and having all of your questions answered.
New Hampshire Community Tech College and Mid-Plains Community College are 2 of the schools that provide small class sizes.
If you are looking for a good truck driving program, check out Central Community College.
This school has a course that lasts for only 6 weeks and takes place several times a year.
Job Outlook in Nebraska
The salary you will be earning will be based on your skills and level of experience.
On average, you can expect to earn $40,554 per year as a truck driver, however, your salary can increase over time to around $47,000 per year.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Omaha | $41,812 |
| Lincoln | $41,611 |
| Bellevue | $41,812 |
| Grand Island | $41,036 |
| Kearney | $41,036 |
| Fremont | $41,189 |
| Hastings | $41,036 |
| Norfolk | $36,397 |
| North Platte | $39,787 |
| Columbus | $41,036 |
Regional Salary in Nebraska
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Island, NE | 1,130 | $58,210 | $27.98 | $80,540 | $37,910 |
| Lincoln, NE | 4,910 | $77,110 | $37.07 | $89,760 | $45,860 |
| Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA | 10,920 | $54,970 | $26.43 | $76,040 | $37,860 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
After you finish your program and get your certification, you can get hired by trucking companies or repair shops.
Some of the most well-known companies in Nebraska are C.R. England, MCT Transportation LLC, and TMC Transportation.
When it comes to job opportunities, Nebraska has a great outlook.
In a report from 2015, O*Net says they are expecting a 19% growth for truck driving jobs in the period between 2012 and 2022.
During the same time period, diesel technology jobs will see a 10% increase.
Conclusion
Life as a truck driver can give you the chance to see many different places.
If you take your training seriously, you will be able to get certified and get a profitable job in the industry.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Truck Driver
CDL Schools by State