# Labor Rights in Nebraska

[Labor rights by state](/labor-rights/)

Nebraska reached a $15 minimum wage in 2026 and added statewide paid sick time for most workers, but still allows a $2.13 tipped cash wage and requires meal breaks only in certain industrial settings. It is a right-to-work state with no paid family leave program.

Data last verified 2026-10-12

## Workplace rights in Nebraska at a glance

  Minimum wage (2026)$15.00, the final step of voter-approved Initiative 433. From Jan 1, 2027 the rate rises 1.75% annually under LB 258. Youth wage of $13.50 for workers ages 14-15; training wage of $13.50 for new hires ages 16-19 in their first 90 days.Tipped minimum wage (2026)$2.13 cash wage. Tips plus wages must reach $15.00 per hour; the employer must cover any shortfall.Overtime1.5x the regular rate after 40 hours in a workweek under the FLSA; Nebraska has no separate state overtime rule. No daily overtime.Paid sick leaveYes. Nebraska Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (effective Oct 1, 2025, amended by LB 415): 1 hour of paid sick time per 30 hours worked after 80 hours of work. Employers with 20+ employees: up to 56 hours per year; employers with 11-19 employees: up to 40 hours per year. Employers with fewer than 11 employees are exempt.Paid family and medical leaveNo state program.Meal breaksA 30-minute meal break per 8-hour shift is required only in mechanical establishments, workshops, and assembling plants. No meal-break requirement in other industries.Rest breaksNo state requirement beyond federal.Right-to-work lawYesAt-will employmentimplied contract Confirm with your state labor department.Final paycheckDue on the next regular payday or within two weeks of separation, whichever is sooner (Neb. Rev. Stat. 48-1230).

## How Nebraska compares to federal law

Nebraska sets a minimum wage above the federal floor of $7.25 an hour, so the state rate is what most employers must pay. Overtime follows the federal Fair Labor Standards Act: time-and-a-half after 40 hours in a workweek.

## Neighboring states

- [**South Dakota**$11.85 minimum wage, paid sick leave no, right-to-work yes.](/labor-rights/south-dakota/)
- [**Iowa**$7.25 minimum wage, paid sick leave no, right-to-work yes.](/labor-rights/iowa/)
- [**Missouri**$15.00 minimum wage, paid sick leave no, right-to-work no.](/labor-rights/missouri/)
- [**Kansas**$7.25 minimum wage, paid sick leave no, right-to-work yes.](/labor-rights/kansas/)

[Compare all 50 states and DC side by side](/labor-rights/)

Workplace laws change. This summary reflects state law as verified on 2026-10-12; confirm details with your state labor department before acting on it.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is Nebraska's minimum wage in 2026?

$15.00 per hour, the final step of voter-approved Initiative 433. Starting in 2027 it rises 1.75% per year. Workers ages 14-15 can be paid $13.50, and new hires ages 16-19 can be paid a $13.50 training wage for their first 90 days.

### Does Nebraska have paid sick leave?

Yes. Since October 1, 2025, the Healthy Families and Workplaces Act requires employers with 11 or more workers to provide 1 hour of paid sick time per 30 hours worked: up to 56 hours per year at employers with 20+ workers, 40 hours at employers with 11-19 workers.

### Do Nebraska employers have to give meal breaks?

Only in some industries. A 30-minute meal break per 8-hour shift is required in mechanical establishments, workshops, and assembling plants. There is no meal or rest break requirement in other industries.

### Is Nebraska a right-to-work state?

Yes.