Nebraska Skilled Trade Salaries & Job Outlook
Trade Industry Insights / Nebraska Skilled Trade Salaries & Job Outlook
Quick Takeaways on Trade Pay in Nebraska
Nebraska’s trade economy is supported by utilities, food and agriculture processing, and regional manufacturing facilities. Long-term plants and infrastructure systems create steady demand for electrical, mechanical, and maintenance-focused trades.
- Higher-paying paths on this page: Lineworker, CDL Truck Driver, AV Technician.
- Highest-paying trade in Nebraska (from this table): Lineworker ($84,925)
- Typical mid-range trade pay: Median across listed trades is about $56,144 per year.
- Pay range across these trades: About $35,962 separates the highest vs lowest listed trades in Nebraska.
- Most stable demand in Nebraska: industrial electrical, mechanical, HVAC, and controls work inside long-term facilities.
- Best way to increase earnings: add automation, controls, or process knowledge—those skills raise ceilings faster than switching trades.
- Top paying trades on this page: Lineworker ($84,925) · CDL Truck Driver ($71,222) · AV Technician ($66,082)
Job Outlook for Skilled Trades in Nebraska
Demand is shaped most by food processing, utilities, and manufacturing plants that operate continuously regardless of construction cycles, plus licensing rules, employer mix, and metro growth.
Nebraska trade income frequently centers around utilities and processing facilities that operate year-round, especially in regions where downtime is not an option.
- Outlook: Stable (utilities and processing plants)
- What drives demand: food processing, utilities, and manufacturing plants that operate continuously regardless of construction cycles.
- Where it’s hottest: major metros + fast-growing corridors (varies by trade).
- Biggest pay factors: experience, union coverage, licensing, overtime, and employer type.
Average Skilled Trade Pay in Nebraska
Below is a snapshot of typical pay for popular trades in Nebraska. Click a trade name to explore training paths, licensing steps, and career details.
Note: Some trades can rank high across many states due to national labor demand and standardized pay structures, but the exact pay levels still vary by state and metro area.
| Trade | Avg Hourly | Avg Weekly | Avg Monthly | Avg Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Technician | $25.54 | $1,022 | $4,429 | $53,144 |
| AV Technician | $31.77 | $1,271 | $5,507 | $66,082 |
| Carpenter | $24.89 | $995 | $4,314 | $51,771 |
| CDL Truck Driver | $34.28 | $1,369 | $5,935 | $71,222 |
| CNC Machinist | $23.54 | $941 | $4,080 | $48,963 |
| Construction | $24.99 | $1,000 | $4,332 | $51,979 |
| Concrete Finisher | $27.39 | $1,096 | $4,748 | $56,971 |
| Diesel Technician | $28.45 | $1,138 | $4,930 | $59,156 |
| Electrician | $30.14 | $1,206 | $5,225 | $62,701 |
| Heavy Equipment | $24.61 | $957 | $4,143 | $49,711 |
| HVAC Technician | $27.70 | $1,110 | $4,808 | $57,698 |
| Industrial Mechanic | $27.37 | $1,095 | $4,745 | $56,939 |
| Ironworker | $26.08 | $1,042 | $4,517 | $54,198 |
| Lineworker | $40.83 | $1,633 | $7,077 | $84,925 |
| Marine Mechanic | $28.32 | $1,133 | $4,907 | $58,850 |
| Mason | $26.61 | $1,064 | $4,612 | $55,349 |
| Plumber | $31.98 | $1,241 | $5,376 | $64,514 |
| Roofer | $23.98 | $959 | $4,157 | $49,878 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | $25.37 | $977 | $4,237 | $50,842 |
| Welder | $24.22 | $971 | $4,207 | $50,482 |
Wage figures are estimates and can vary by experience level, metro area, union status, and employer.
About this table: wage data sources and methodology.
Why Nebraska Is a Strong State for Trade Careers
Nebraska’s trade demand is driven by commercial construction, agricultural and food-processing facilities, utilities, transportation infrastructure, and large-scale industrial projects. Steady population growth in urban centers combined with statewide agricultural and manufacturing needs creates long-term demand for electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, welders, millwrights, and heavy equipment operators.
Where Trade Demand Is Concentrated
- Omaha: Commercial construction, healthcare facilities, utilities, and data center development support strong demand across electrical, HVAC, and plumbing trades.
- Lincoln: Public infrastructure, university expansion, and government projects drive steady construction and maintenance work.
- Statewide industrial and agricultural facilities: Food processing plants, ethanol facilities, and grain operations rely heavily on skilled maintenance trades.
- Transportation corridors: Rail, highway, and logistics infrastructure create demand for welders, operators, and electrical workers.
Major Employers and Contractors in Nebraska
Tradespeople in Nebraska commonly encounter established contractors and industrial employers such as:
- Kiewit Corporation — Omaha-based national contractor with major infrastructure, industrial, and commercial projects.
- Hawkins Construction Company — Nebraska-based contractor focused on heavy civil, utilities, and infrastructure work.
- Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) — Utility employer supporting electrical, lineman, and maintenance trades.
Union vs Non-Union Trade Paths in Nebraska
Nebraska offers a balanced mix of union and non-union trade opportunities. Union pathways are common on large infrastructure, utility, and industrial projects, while non-union routes dominate residential construction, service trades, and smaller commercial work.
Union Apprenticeships in Nebraska
Union apprenticeship programs in Nebraska typically focus on electrical, plumbing, pipefitting, and heavy construction trades.
- IBEW Local 22 — Electrical apprenticeships serving Omaha and eastern Nebraska.
- IBEW Local 265 — Electrical training covering Lincoln and surrounding areas.
- UA Local 464 — Plumbing, pipefitting, and HVAC apprenticeships based in Omaha.
- Operating Engineers Local 571 — Heavy equipment operator apprenticeships supporting infrastructure and civil projects.
- Iron Workers Local 21 — Structural and reinforcing ironwork training across Nebraska.
Ready to start a trade career in Nebraska?
Compare accredited trade schools and registered apprenticeships across Nebraska.
Nebraska Trade Schools & Apprenticeships