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Summary of differences between federal and state regulations
The federal minimum wage provisions are contained in the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Many states also have minimum wage laws. In cases where an employee is subject to both the state and federal minimum wage laws, the employee is entitled to the higher of the two minimum wages.
Effective January 1, 2016, the minimum wage for Nebraska employees was $9.00 per hour.
The November 2022 ballot included Initiative 433, which won approval. As such, the NE minimum wage increases as follows:
- 1/1/23 to $10.50 per hour
- 1/1/24 to $12.00 per hour
- 1/1/25 to $13.50 per hour
- 1/1/26, to $15.00 per hour
- This was initially to be adjusted annually thereafter to account for increases in the cost of living, but per LB 258, the minimum wage will increase by 1.75% on January 1 of each year, beginning on January 1, 2027.
Employers may pay workers aged 14-15 who are not emancipated minors a wage of $13.50 per hour.
Beginning January 1, 2030, the youth minimum wage will increase every five years by 1.5%, rounded to the nearest cent.
New employees aged 16-19 may be paid a training wage. The training wage does not apply to seasonal or migrant workers or emancipated minors.
The training wage is $13.50 per hour through December 31, 2026.
Beginning January 1, 2027, and each subsequent January 1, the training minimum wage increases by 1.5%, rounded to the nearest cent.
The training wage is limited to 90 days from the date the new employee was hired. An additional 90-day period is permitted while the new employee is participating in on-the-job training that:
- Requires technical, personal, or other skills necessary for their employment; and
- Is approved by the commissioner of labor.
State
Contact
Nebraska Department of Labor Safety and Labor Standards Division
Regulations
Revised Statute 48 Section 12, 48-1203
Federal
Contact
The Department of Labor is the federal agency that monitors hours worked.
Regulations
U.S. labor regulations for minimum wage can be found in CFR 29 Part 531 and FLSA.