Nebraska minimum wage 2026–2027: $15.00 now, $15.26 on January 1, 2027
Nebraska's minimum wage is $15.00 an hour, in force since January 1, 2026 – $7.75 more than the federal $7.25. The next change is on January 1, 2027: $15.26 an hour (+$0.26, 1.7%), fixed in state law.
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Nebraska minimum wage pay calculator
Nebraska minimum wage rates
| Who | Rate | From | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most workers (state rate) | $15.00 | January 1, 2026 | official |
| Scheduled increase | $15.26 | January 1, 2027 | law |
| Scheduled increase | $15.53 | January 1, 2028 | law |
| Scheduled increase | $15.80 | January 1, 2029 | law |
| Scheduled increase | $16.08 | January 1, 2030 | law |
| Tipped workers (cash wage) | $2.13 | now | official |
When does the Nebraska minimum wage go up?
The next change is on January 1, 2027: $15.26 an hour (+$0.26, 1.7%), fixed in state law. Fixed yearly steps in state law through 2030.
Tipped workers in Nebraska
Employers may pay tipped workers a cash wage of $2.13 an hour and count up to $12.87 of tips toward the minimum wage, as long as wages plus tips reach $15.00 for every hour; otherwise the employer pays the difference.
Who is covered, and who can be paid less
Employers with 4 or more employees. Since July 18, 2026: 14- and 15-year-olds may be paid $13.50; new employees aged 16-19 a 90-day training wage of $13.50 ($13.70 from 2027); student learners 75%. Jobs covered by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act never get less than $7.25.
Nebraska minimum wage history
On January 1, 2020 the Nebraska minimum wage was $9.00; today it is $15.00 – up $6.00, or 66.7%.
| January 1 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nebraska | $9.00 | $9.00 | $9.00 | $10.50 | $12.00 | $13.50 | $15.00 |
How Nebraska compares
Nebraska ranks tied 13th with 6 others of the 50 states and D.C. The average statewide minimum wage is $11.53; Nebraska's $15.00 is $3.47 above it. Neighbors: Colorado $15.16, Iowa $7.25, Kansas $7.25, Missouri $15.00, South Dakota $11.85, Wyoming $7.25.
Overtime and pay rules
Overtime follows the federal rule: one and a half times the regular rate for hours over 40 in a workweek. A full-time week at the minimum wage pays $600.00; with 5 overtime hours it is $712.50.
Good to know
- Tipped employees may be paid $2.13 an hour as long as wages plus tips reach the minimum wage (Nebraska DOL poster).
Where to get help
The minimum wage in Nebraska is enforced by the Nebraska Department of Labor, Labor Standards; wage claims: dol.nebraska.gov. The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division takes complaints in every state at 1-866-487-9243, and your name is kept confidential.
Nebraska minimum wage questions
What is the minimum wage in Nebraska right now?
$15.00 an hour for most adult workers. Nebraska's minimum wage is $15.00 an hour, in force since January 1, 2026 – $7.75 more than the federal $7.25.
What will the Nebraska minimum wage be in 2027?
$15.26 an hour from January 1, 2027 – fixed in state law.
What is the tipped minimum wage in Nebraska?
Employers may pay tipped workers a cash wage of $2.13 an hour and count up to $12.87 of tips toward the minimum wage, as long as wages plus tips reach $15.00 for every hour; otherwise the employer pays the difference.
How much is the Nebraska minimum wage per year?
At $15.00 an hour and 40 hours a week, $600.00 a week, about $2,600 a month and $31,200 a year before taxes. At the 2027 rate of $15.26: $31,741 a year.
Where do I report unpaid minimum wage in Nebraska?
With the Nebraska Department of Labor, Labor Standards – or with the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division (1-866-487-9243). Keep your pay stubs and a record of your hours.
Other states
Sources: U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division – State Minimum Wage Laws, Consolidated Minimum Wage Table and Minimum Wages for Tipped Employees (July 1, 2026 editions), the DOL's history table, and each state's and city's own labor department pages, linked on every state page. Checked October 16, 2026. Rates are for most adult, non-exempt workers; some jobs, industries and employers are exempt or have other rates. This is general information, not legal advice – the state labor department has the final word.