Nebraska Minimum Wage 2026
Nebraska's minimum wage of $15 in 2026 is among the highest in the United States, and it is significantly higher than than the base federal minimum wage of $7.25 still used in 20 states.
Federal 
Nebraska Assuming a standard 40-hour work week, the weekly minimum wage in Nebraska is $600. For full-time employees working 52 weeks per year, the annual minimum wage in Nebraska is $31.2K.
Based on $15/hr minimum
Based on $15/hr minimum
The minimum wage rate of Nebraska and its neighboring states ranges from $7.25 to $15, with an average of $10.60. Nebraska, at $15, has the highest hourly minimum wage within this group of states. Missouri shares the same $15 hourly rate as Nebraska. South Dakota ($11.85), Iowa ($7.25), Kansas ($7.25), and North Dakota ($7.25) have lower hourly rates than Nebraska.
Nebraska While the general minimum wage is $15 per hour in Nebraska, there are exceptions where workers may legally receive less than this amount:
Employers may pay employees compensated by tips (such as waitstaff, bellhops, porters) a direct wage of $2.13 per hour, provided the sum of that wage and all gratuities equals or exceeds the required minimum wage.
Employers may pay a new employee younger than 20 years old a training wage of at least 75% of the federal minimum wage for the first 90 days of employment, and for an additional 90 days if the employee is in an approved on‑the‑job training program, subject to limitations.
Employers may pay student‑learners employed as part of a bona fide vocational training program a wage of at least 75% of the applicable minimum wage.
Employers employing student‑learners in bona fide vocational training programs must pay them at least 75% of the standard minimum wage required for other employees.
Nebraska's cost of living index for 2025 is 92.6, which places it as the 35th most expensive state to live in the United States.
National 100
Nebraska 92.6
Assuming a standard 40-hour work week, the real wage in Nebraska, adjusted for the state’s cost of living index of 92.6, is approximately $16.20 per hour. This means that while the nominal minimum wage is $15 per hour, the purchasing power of those earnings is higher due to Nebraska's lower cost of living expenses. For full-time employees, the real weekly earnings amount to roughly $647.95, translating to an annual purchasing power of $33,693.30 when working 52 weeks per year.
Adjusted
Adjusted
Adjusted
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According to the most recent data, the median household income in the United States has seen a significant increase in 2023.
Nebraska’s minimum wage is adjusted annually for inflation under state law following a voter-approved ballot initiative. The wage is indexed to the Consumer Price Index, resulting in automatic yearly increases intended to maintain purchasing power without requiring new legislative action.
