Nebraska Minimum Wage (2026)
Nebraska’s minimum wage is $15.00 — $7.75 above the federal $7.25, effective January 1, 2026. Tipped: tipped minimum $2.13. Next change: CPI-indexed adjustment scheduled for January 1, 2027.
The minimum wage in Nebraska is $15.00/hour in 2026 (effective January 1, 2026).
- Minimum wage$15.00
- Tipped minimum$2.13
- Next scheduled changeCPI-indexed adjustment on January 1, 2027
- Full-time annual (40 hrs/wk)$31,200
Source: state labor department / U.S. DOL, verified July 2026.
Scheduled future increases
| Effective date | New rate |
|---|---|
| January 1, 2027 | CPI-indexed adjustment |
These are enacted in statute or triggered by indexing law — not proposals.
Nebraska vs. neighboring states
| State | Minimum wage | vs. Nebraska |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota | $11.85 | −$3.15 |
| Iowa | $7.25 | −$7.75 |
| Missouri | $15.00 | same |
| Kansas | $7.25 | −$7.75 |
| Wyoming | $7.25 | −$7.75 |
Nebraska minimum wage history
| Year | Rate |
|---|---|
| 2026 | $15.00 |
| 2025 | $13.50 |
| 2024 | $12.00 |
| 2023 | $10.50 |
| 2022 | $9.00 |
| 2021 | $9.00 |
| 2020 | $9.00 |
| 2019 | $9.00 |
| 2018 | $9.00 |
| 2017 | $9.00 |
| 2016 | $9.00 |
| 2015 | $8.00 |
| 2014 | $7.25 |
| 2013 | $7.25 |
| 2012 | $7.25 |
| 2011 | $7.25 |
| 2010 | $7.25 |
| 2009 | $6.55 |
| 2008 | $5.85 |
| 2007 | $5.15 |
| 2006 | $5.15 |
| 2005 | $5.15 |
| 2004 | $5.15 |
| 2003 | $5.15 |
| 2002 | $5.15 |
| 2001 | $5.15 |
| 2000 | $5.15 |
Historical rates from the U.S. DOL year-by-year tables (January snapshots; mid-year changes appear in the following year’s row).
Carve-outs & details
2022 ballot measure reached $15.00 on 1-1-2026; annual CPI indexing begins Jan 1, 2027 (NCSL/EPI). Applies to employers of 4+. Tipped cash wage remains $2.13.
Frequently asked questions
What is minimum wage in Nebraska in 2026?
$15.00 per hour, effective January 1, 2026, which is $7.75 above the federal $7.25.
What is the tipped minimum wage in Nebraska?
The base cash wage for tipped workers is $2.13; tips must bring total pay to at least the full minimum, or the employer makes up the difference.
When does Nebraska's minimum wage go up next?
CPI-indexed adjustment takes effect January 1, 2027.
How much is full-time minimum wage in Nebraska per year?
At 40 hours/week for 52 weeks, $15.00/hour is $31,200 per year before taxes.
Sources & methodology
Sources: Nebraska labor department · U.S. DOL consolidated table · U.S. DOL historical tables.
Verified against the state labor agency and U.S. DOL, July 2026. Wage law has industry- and size-specific exceptions; confirm your situation with the state agency.