Last Updated: May 2026

Nebraska RN Salary 2026: Pay by City, Employer & Loan Repayment

Name: US Nurse Salary Data by State and Specialty 2026
Creator: NurseSalaryIntel
License: https://nursesalaryintel.com

Nebraska RNs earn an average of $69,790/year ($33.55/hr)in 2026 — below the national average, but Nebraska's low cost of living (index ~87) and stable Midwest job market make it more competitive in practice. Omaha is the dominant market: Nebraska Medicine — the state's only Level 1 Trauma Center and academic medical center — and CHI Health's regional network both compete aggressively for specialty nurses, particularly ICU and OR. Rural Nebraska carries widespread shortage designations that unlock NHSC loan repayment of up to $50,000 tax-free.

Nebraska RN Salary by City (2026)

Metro Area	Avg. Annual Salary	Avg. Hourly Rate
Omaha	$73,500–$82,000	$35.34–$39.42/hr
Lincoln	$70,000–$78,000	$33.65–$37.50/hr
Bellevue	$68,500–$76,500	$32.93–$36.78/hr
Grand Island	$66,000–$74,000	$31.73–$35.58/hr
State Average	$69,790	$33.55/hr

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 + NurseSalaryIntel 2026 projections

Nebraska RN Salary by Experience Level

NE RN Salary by Years of Experience (2026)

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range	Hourly Rate
New Grad (0–1 yr)	$55,000–$61,000	$26.44–$29.33/hr
Early Career (2–4 yrs)	$63,000–$71,000	$30.29–$34.13/hr
Mid-Career (5–9 yrs)	$71,000–$81,000	$34.13–$38.94/hr
Senior (10+ yrs)	$81,000–$94,000	$38.94–$45.19/hr

Source: NurseSalaryIntel 2026 data

Rural Loan Repayment in Nebraska

Nebraska's Sandhills, Panhandle, and scattered rural counties across the state carry Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) designations. Nurses accepting positions at qualifying rural facilities can access NHSC Loan Repayment (up to $50,000 tax-free over 2 years) and the NURSE Corps Loan Repayment Program. For new grads carrying $60,000–$100,000 in federal loans, a rural Nebraska position with loan forgiveness can deliver better total compensation than an Omaha staff nurse role without forgiveness benefits.

Night Shift Pay in Nebraska

Nebraska hospitals offer night shift differentials of 10–18% above base pay. On the $69,790 state average, nights add $6,979–$12,562/year. Nebraska Medicine and CHI Health both run structured differential packages for specialty critical care nurses. See our complete night shift differential guide →

Travel Nursing in Nebraska

Travel RN assignments in Nebraska pay $1,900–$2,600/week. Nebraska Medicine and CHI Health Creighton are the primary travel markets in Omaha. Rural critical access hospitals throughout the Sandhills and Panhandle post consistent openings for specialty travelers, often with housing stipends that can add $12,000–$18,000/year to net pay.

Travel Nurse Salary Guide →

Compare Nebraska to Neighboring States

Iowa RN Salary →

Similar Midwest market, Des Moines rates

Kansas RN Salary →

Border state comparison, Wichita market

📊 Data Methodology

Salary figures on this page are 2026 estimates derived from the most recent available U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data, based on the May 2024 survey and published in March 2025. Estimated ranges may also incorporate publicly available 2025 job postings, hospital pay schedules, regional market conditions, and reported compensation trends.

Official 2026 OEWS wage data has not yet been released. All salary figures on this page should be treated as informational estimates rather than official government statistics or guaranteed compensation rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do nurses make in Nebraska?

The average RN salary in Nebraska is $69,790/year ($33.55/hr). Omaha nurses at Nebraska Medicine and CHI Health earn $73,500–$82,000 — up to $12,000 above the state average. Nebraska's low cost of living (index ~87) improves real take-home relative to the nominal pay.

What is the biggest hospital employer in Nebraska?

Nebraska Medicine (affiliated with UNMC) is Nebraska's only Level 1 Trauma Center and the state's academic anchor employer in Omaha. CHI Health operates a large regional network across eastern Nebraska and western Iowa. Both systems offer structured step increases and competitive sign-on bonuses for ICU, ER, and OR nurses.

Are there nursing loan repayment programs in Nebraska?

Yes. Nebraska's Sandhills, Panhandle, and many rural counties carry Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) designations. Nurses in qualifying rural facilities can access NHSC Loan Repayment (up to $50,000 tax-free for 2 years) and the NURSE Corps program. For new grads with significant federal loans, rural Nebraska positions can be financially stronger than higher-paying urban roles.

What is the job outlook for nurses in Nebraska?

Strong and growing. Nebraska's rural nursing shortage is persistent, particularly in the western Panhandle and Sandhills regions. Omaha's healthcare sector continues to expand — Nebraska Medicine's ongoing growth and CHI Health's regional network are both adding positions. The state projects continued demand growth through 2030.