Nebraska · updated 2026-10
Nebraska Overtime & Break Laws
Time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek.
Overtime
40h / week
Time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek.
Nebraska has no general state overtime law for private employers. The FLSA (1.5x after 40/week) applies.
Federal FLSA rule. source
Meal break
Not required
No state law requires a meal break for adult employees in Nebraska; it's up to the employer. If a break is under 20 minutes, federal law treats it as paid work time.
Rest breaks
Not required
Nebraska law doesn't require rest breaks for adults. Short breaks an employer does give (5–20 minutes) must be paid under federal rules.
Minimum wage
$15.00
$15.00 an hour (since 2026-01-01). Applies to employers of 4 or more. Tipped cash wage is $2.13. CPI-based increases from 2027-01-01 (amended by 2026 LB 258; NDOL publishes the rate by Oct 15). Training and youth rates exist.
Nebraska time card
| Day | Clock in | Break min | Clock out | Hours |
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Nebraska pay and break questions
When does overtime start in Nebraska?
Time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek. Nebraska has no separate state overtime law, so the federal FLSA rule applies. Nebraska has no general state overtime law for private employers. The FLSA (1.5x after 40/week) applies.
Are lunch breaks required in Nebraska?
No state law requires a meal break for adult employees in Nebraska; it's up to the employer. If a break is under 20 minutes, federal law treats it as paid work time.
Are rest breaks required in Nebraska?
Nebraska law doesn't require rest breaks for adults. Short breaks an employer does give (5–20 minutes) must be paid under federal rules.
What is the minimum wage in Nebraska?
$15.00 an hour (since 2026-01-01). Applies to employers of 4 or more. Tipped cash wage is $2.13. CPI-based increases from 2027-01-01 (amended by 2026 LB 258; NDOL publishes the rate by Oct 15). Training and youth rates exist.
Workers under 18 in Nebraska
Teens have extra limits on hours and times of day, and may need a work permit. See Nebraska teen work rules and which employers hire at 14 and 15.
Questions or a complaint? Contact the Nebraska Department of Labor, Labor Standards.