Current Minimum Wage in Nebraska
The minimum wage in Nebraska is $13.50 per hour as of 2026. This is $6.25 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hr.
Wage Breakdown
| Pay Period | Gross Pay | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly | $13.50 | 1 |
| Daily (8 hours) | $108 | 8 |
| Weekly | $540 | 40 |
| Biweekly | $1,080 | 80 |
| Monthly | $2,340 | ~173 |
| Annual | $28,080 | 2,080 |
Tipped Employee Wage
Tipped workers in Nebraska can be paid a cash wage of $2.13/hr, with the expectation that tips make up the difference to the full $13.50/hr minimum. If tips don't bring total compensation to the minimum wage, the employer must make up the difference.
Scheduled Increases
$13.50 (2025), $15.00 (2026). Then CPI adjustments.
Living Wage vs. Minimum Wage
Federal Poverty Line (single)
$15,060/year
Minimum wage is $13,020 above poverty line
Estimated Living Wage (NE)
~$15.61/hr
Based on cost of living index (91.8)
Cost of Living Context
Nebraska's cost of living index is 91.8 (national average = 100). This means living in Nebraska is 8.2% cheaper than the national average. The median hourly wage in Nebraska is $20.36/hr, which is 51% above the minimum wage.
Key Facts
Voter-approved Initiative 433 phases in $15/hr by 2026 with CPI adjustments after.
How This Compares
| Metric | NE | Federal | Highest (WA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Wage | $13.50 | $7.25 | $16.66 |
| Tipped Wage | $2.13 | $2.13 | $16.66 |
| Annual (FT) | $28,080 | $15,080 | $34,653 |
Useful Resources
Nebraska Average Salary
Median income and top employers in NE
Nebraska Tax Rates
Income, sales & property tax in NE
Salary Calculator
Convert hourly to annual, weekly, monthly
Paycheck Calculator
Estimate take-home pay after taxes