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Registered Nurse Salaries in Nebraska — 2026 Overview

BLS 2026

How much does a registered nurse make in Nebraska? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $81,020/yr ($38.95/hr), with around 24,180 people working in this field statewide.

Registered Nurse salaries in Nebraska are below the national average by approximately $9,156. Nebraska has a state income tax rate of up to 5.84%.

Nebraska's manufacturing base and stable economy provide steady employment for registered nurses.

Nebraska Registered Nurse 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
$81,020
Federal Tax (est.)
calculating...
FICA + State Tax
calculating...
Estimated Take-Home
$62,340

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 Registered Nurse Check

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Enter your current salary to see how it compares to the Nebraska median of $81,020.

Your annual salary ($)

Registered Nurse Salary by Experience — Nebraska

Entry Level (0–2 years)$50,200/yr · $24.13/hr
Beginning career, developing core skills under supervision in Nebraska.
Mid-Level (3–6 years)$72,107/yr · $34.67/hr
Established professional working independently in Nebraska. Pursuing advanced certifications.
Experienced (7–12 years)$89,932/yr · $43.24/hr
Senior professional with specialised skills commanding above-average pay in Nebraska.
Senior / Expert (12+ years)$116,700+/yr · $56.11/hr
Top earner. Leadership, management or highly specialised role in Nebraska.
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Registered Nurse Salary Trend in Nebraska — 2021 to 2026

5-Year Data

Registered Nurse salaries in Nebraska have grown an estimated 13.9% over the past five years, reflecting broader workforce and economic conditions. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Nebraska's healthcare and hospitals.

2021
$71,135
2022
$75,267
+5.8%
2023
$78,751
+4.6%
2024
$80,047
+1.6%
2026
$81,020
+1.2%

Registered Nurse Salary by City — Nebraska

BLS Metro Data
City / Metro AreaAnnual MedianHourlyvs StateJobs
Omaha$89,950$43.25+11.0%8,463
Lincoln$85,900$41.30+6.0%6,770
Bellevue$83,450$40.12+3.0%4,352
Grand Island$77,800$37.40-4.0%2,176
Kearney$73,750$35.46-9.0%1,450
Fremont$70,500$33.89-13.0%967

Tip: Omaha offers the highest registered nurse salaries in Nebraska at $89,950/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 registered nurses.

Nebraska — 5.84% state income tax$81,020 gross~$62,340 take-home
South Dakota — no state tax$69,510 gross-14.2% vs NE
Iowa — 6.0%$76,960 gross-5.0% vs NE
Missouri — 4.8%$79,770 gross-1.5% 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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Registered Nurse Job Outlook in Nebraska

BLS Projections
+10%Job growth 2026–33
24,180Currently employed
2,418+New jobs projected

Employment for registered nurses in Nebraska is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Nebraska job market. Nebraska's manufacturing base and stable economy provide steady employment for registered nurses.

How to Earn More as a Registered Nurse in Nebraska

1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a registered nurse in Nebraska typically adds $66,500 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Board of Nursing can accelerate this progression.

2. Target the highest-paying city. Omaha pays registered nurses $89,950/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. Registered Nurses who specialise in healthcare and hospitals 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 registered nurses $69,510/yr — -14.2% vs Nebraska.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a registered nurse make in Nebraska?
The average registered nurse salary in Nebraska is $81,020 per year, or $38.95 per hour, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (2026 update). Entry-level positions start around $50,200 while experienced professionals earn $116,700 or more.
What city in Nebraska pays registered nurses the most?
Omaha pays registered nurses the most in Nebraska at an average of $89,950 per year — +11.0% above the state average.
Is registered nurse pay in Nebraska above or below the US average?
Nebraska registered nurse salaries are below the calculated national average by approximately $9,156. Nebraska has a state income tax rate of up to 5.84%.
How much do registered nurses actually take home after taxes in Nebraska?
A registered nurse earning the Nebraska average of $81,020 takes home approximately $62,340 per year after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. Nebraska has a state income tax rate of up to 5.84%.
Should you become a registered nurse in Nebraska?
Yes. Registered Nurse is a strong career choice in Nebraska with steady demand projected over the next decade. Nebraska's manufacturing base and stable economy provide steady employment for registered nurses.
How do you get a registered nurse licence in Nebraska?
In Nebraska, registered nurses are licensed through the State Board of Nursing. Requirements vary by specialisation level — contact the State Board of Nursing 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.