Nebraska Worker Rights
Nebraska voters raised the minimum wage to $15 by 2026 and approved paid sick leave in 2024, though the legislature later narrowed the sick leave law.
- Nebraska
Pay
- Minimum wage: above the federal rate, reaching $15 in 2026 under a 2022 ballot measure, then adjusted for inflation.
- Overtime: federal rules, 1.5x over 40 hours a week.
- Final pay: by the next regular payday or within 2 weeks, whichever is sooner.
Breaks and leave
- Paid sick leave: approved by voters in 2024; the legislature later amended it, including exempting the smallest employers. Check current rules.
- No state law requiring meal or rest breaks for most adult workers.
Unions and right-to-work
Nebraska is a right-to-work state: a union contract can’t require you to join a union or pay dues or fees to keep your job. You still have the right to organize and act together with coworkers under federal law. See Right-to-Work States.
Where to file
- Unpaid wages and overtime: Nebraska Department of Labor (Wage Payment and Collection Act), or the U.S. Department of Labor.
- Discrimination and harassment: Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission, or the U.S. EEOC.
- Safety: Federal OSHA covers private employers. See Nebraska safety rules.
- Work injuries: report the injury to your employer right away, in writing, and follow up with Nebraska’s workers’ compensation agency. See Workers’ Compensation.
Check current rules: this is a summary. Wage rates and labor laws change often, usually on January 1 or July 1, and cities and counties can add their own rules. Confirm details with the Nebraska Department of Labor before acting. Federal protections apply too. See Where to Get Help.
Standards & references
Last updated: