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Librarian Salaries in Nebraska — 2026 Overview

BLS 2026

Nebraska pays librarians a median wage of $61,990 per year — that's $29.80/hr based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. The state's 1,150 librarians make up a meaningful portion of the regional workforce.

Librarian salaries in Nebraska are below the national average by approximately $1,999. Nebraska has a state income tax rate of up to 5.84%.

A solid industrial economy and stable population mean librarians in Nebraska enjoy reliable job security.

Nebraska Librarian Take-Home Pay Calculator

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Enter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Nebraska after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Nebraska has a state income tax rate of up to 5.84%.

Your annual gross salary ($)
Gross Annual
$61,990
Federal Tax (est.)
calculating...
FICA + State Tax
calculating...
Estimated Take-Home
$48,160

Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Nebraska has a state income tax rate of up to 5.84%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.

Am I Paid Fairly? — Nebraska Librarian Check

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Enter your current salary to see how it compares to the Nebraska median of $61,990.

Your annual salary ($)

Librarian Salary by Experience — Nebraska

Entry Level (0–2 years)$38,400/yr · $18.46/hr
Beginning career, developing core skills under supervision in Nebraska.
Mid-Level (3–6 years)$55,171/yr · $26.52/hr
Established professional working independently in Nebraska. Pursuing advanced certifications.
Experienced (7–12 years)$68,808/yr · $33.08/hr
Senior professional with specialised skills commanding above-average pay in Nebraska.
Senior / Expert (12+ years)$89,300+/yr · $42.93/hr
Top earner. Leadership, management or highly specialised role in Nebraska.
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Librarian Salary Trend in Nebraska — 2021 to 2026

5-Year Data

Over the past five years, Nebraska has seen 13.9% wage growth for librarians — broadly in line with cost-of-living changes across the region. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Nebraska's public libraries and education.

2021
$54,427
2022
$57,588
+5.8%
2023
$60,254
+4.6%
2024
$61,246
+1.6%
2026
$61,990
+1.2%

Librarian Salary by City — Nebraska

BLS Metro Data
City / Metro AreaAnnual MedianHourlyvs StateJobs
Omaha$68,800$33.08+11.0%402
Lincoln$65,700$31.59+6.0%322
Bellevue$63,850$30.70+3.0%207
Grand Island$59,500$28.61-4.0%103
Kearney$56,400$27.12-9.0%69
Fremont$53,950$25.94-13.0%50

Tip: Omaha offers the highest librarian salaries in Nebraska at $68,800/yr — +11.0% above the state average.

Nebraska vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power

Cost of Living Adjusted

Gross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Nebraska sits in the mid-range for librarians.

Nebraska — 5.84% state income tax$61,990 gross~$48,160 take-home
South Dakota — no state tax$49,290 gross-20.5% vs NE
Iowa — 6.0%$52,780 gross-14.9% vs NE
Missouri — 4.8%$53,600 gross-13.5% vs NE

Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Nebraska has a state income tax rate of up to 5.84%.

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Librarian Job Outlook in Nebraska

BLS Projections
+10%Job growth 2026–33
1,150Currently employed
115+New jobs projected

Employment for librarians in Nebraska is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Nebraska job market. A solid industrial economy and stable population mean librarians in Nebraska enjoy reliable job security.

How to Earn More as a Librarian in Nebraska

1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a librarian in Nebraska typically adds $50,900 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Library Certification Board can accelerate this progression.

2. Target the highest-paying city. Omaha pays librarians $68,800/yr — +11.0% above the Nebraska average. Simply relocating within Nebraska can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.

3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Librarians who specialise in public libraries and education typically command premium rates in Nebraska. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.

4. Consider neighbouring states. South Dakota pays librarians $49,290/yr — -20.5% vs Nebraska.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much do librarians earn in Nebraska?
The average librarian salary in Nebraska is $61,990 per year, or $29.80 per hour, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (2026 update). Entry-level positions start around $38,400 while experienced professionals earn $89,300 or more.
What city in Nebraska pays librarians the most?
Omaha pays librarians the most in Nebraska at an average of $68,800 per year — +11.0% above the state average.
How does Nebraska stack up nationally for librarian pay?
Nebraska librarian salaries are below the calculated national average by approximately $1,999. Nebraska has a state income tax rate of up to 5.84%.
How much do librarians actually take home after taxes in Nebraska?
A librarian earning the Nebraska average of $61,990 takes home approximately $48,160 per year after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. Nebraska has a state income tax rate of up to 5.84%.
Is librarian a good career in Nebraska?
Yes. Librarian is a strong career choice in Nebraska with steady demand projected over the next decade. A solid industrial economy and stable population mean librarians in Nebraska enjoy reliable job security.
How do you become a licensed librarian in Nebraska?
In Nebraska, librarians are licensed through the State Library Certification Board. Requirements vary by specialisation level — contact the State Library Certification Board for current examination and experience requirements.
DATA SOURCE All salary data from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024 survey. Employment projections from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Full methodology →

Important disclaimer: Salary and wage data on WageByState is provided for informational purposes only. Figures are sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme and represent median values across large populations — your individual earnings will vary. Take-home pay calculations are estimates and do not constitute tax advice. WageByState accepts no liability for decisions made based on information on this site. Not affiliated with the Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency.