Nebraska HR laws for employers (2026)
The Nebraska rules employers ask about most: minimum wage, overtime, final pay, unused vacation, paid sick leave and breaks.
Nebraska employment law at a glance
| Minimum wage | $15.00 per hour |
|---|---|
| Tipped cash wage | $2.13 per hour |
| Overtime | No state overtime law; federal rule applies (1.5x after 40 hours per week). |
| Final pay when fired | By the next regular payday or within two weeks of termination, whichever is sooner. |
| Final pay when an employee quits | By the next regular payday or within two weeks of separation, whichever is sooner (same rule as termination). |
| Unused vacation / PTO at separation | Required - earned but unused vacation is treated as wages due at separation; other paid leave (e.g. sick time) is not. |
| Paid sick leave | Yes (Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, eff. Oct 1, 2025) for employers with 11+ employees: 1 hour per 30 hours worked; at least 40 hours/year for employers with 11-19 employees and 56 hours/year for 20+ employees. Unused time carries over, but annual use can be capped at those amounts. |
| Meal breaks | No general requirement; a 30-minute off-premises lunch per 8-hour shift applies only to assembly plants, workshops and mechanical establishments. |
| Rest breaks | No state requirement. |
Minimum wage note: $15.00/hour since Jan 1, 2026 (up from $13.50 in 2025); applies to employers with 4+ employees. Starting in 2027 the rate is adjusted annually by CPI; the 2027 amount was not yet published.
Other Nebraska rules to know
- Minimum wage will be indexed to inflation each year beginning in 2027.
- Paid sick time accrual begins after 80 hours of consecutive employment; employers may pay out unused time at year end instead of carrying it over if the employee starts the new year at the required minimum.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in Nebraska in 2026?
$15.00 per hour, effective January 1, 2026. $15.00/hour since Jan 1, 2026 (up from $13.50 in 2025); applies to employers with 4+ employees. Starting in 2027 the rate is adjusted annually by CPI; the 2027 amount was not yet published.
When is a final paycheck due in Nebraska?
If the employer ends employment: By the next regular payday or within two weeks of termination, whichever is sooner. If the employee quits: By the next regular payday or within two weeks of separation, whichever is sooner (same rule as termination).
Does Nebraska require paying out unused vacation?
Required - earned but unused vacation is treated as wages due at separation; other paid leave (e.g. sick time) is not.
Is paid sick leave required in Nebraska?
Yes (Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, eff. Oct 1, 2025) for employers with 11+ employees: 1 hour per 30 hours worked; at least 40 hours/year for employers with 11-19 employees and 56 hours/year for 20+ employees. Unused time carries over, but annual use can be capped at those amounts.
Sources
HR laws in other states
This page is general information for employers, not legal advice. Employment laws change and can vary by city and county. Confirm details with the state labor department or an employment attorney. Read our disclaimer.