State ExplorerNebraska

Easily manage employment in Nebraska

Make employment in Nebraska easy. Let us handle payroll, benefits, taxes, compliance, and even stock options for your team in Nebraska, all in one easy-to-use platform.

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Nebraska at a glance

Home to several US cultural institutions such as Kool-Aid, Buffalo Bill, and the Union Pacific Railroad, Nebraska is an important part of American history.

With a low cost of living, a stable economy, and a high quality of life, it’s also an attractive destination for job seekers, while the strong higher education system and the state’s business-friendly policies make it an appealing proposition for employers, too.

Capital

Lincoln

Currency

United States Dollar

Population

2000000

Sales tax rate

6

Employing in Nebraska

In Nebraska, workers’ rights are protected by numerous employment and labour laws, at both the state and federal level. As a result, employees enjoy protection from discrimination based on age, religion, sexual orientation, gender, and race.

Here are the key things you need to know about hiring in Nebraska.

Work and overtime laws in Nebraska are governed by the state’s Department of Labour.

What is considered full-time employment in Nebraska?

Full-time employment is generally considered to be between 30 and 40 hours per week.

Do salary employees get overtime in Nebraska?

Under the federal Fair Labour Standards Act, non-exempt employees are entitled to overtime pay of 1.5x their regular pay rate if they work more than 40 hours in a week.

Employees are generally (but not always) exempt from overtime if they:

  • Earn more than the specified state or federal exemption threshold

  • Perform a role with duties that are

  • Work in a certified or licensed profession, such as law, accounting, architecture, or engineering

In Nebraska, the salary threshold for exemption is currently $684 per week, which is the federal minimum.

Note that the federal salary threshold for exemption is currently being reviewed in the US.

Competitive benefits package in Nebraska

Remote can help you craft a competitive benefits package to attract and retain the best global talent. Our benefits experts understand the trends, requirements, and expectations of the Nebraska labour market, allowing your employees to feel appreciated and thrive.

Our benefits packages in Nebraska usually include some or all of the following:

Are employers required to provide health insurance in Nebraska?

Under the federal Affordable Care Act, organisations with a headcount of 50 or more must offer statutory health insurance to their full-time employees.

Many employers also offer some level of supplemental health insurance. While this can lead to a relative rise in employment costs, it’s an essential benefit that ensures your people have access to routine care and are covered in the event of an emergency.

Because Remote is the employer of record (EOR), it’s important for us to offer the same core benefits to all employees to ensure fair and non-discriminatory hiring practices. This protects both your business and ours.

Note that we do not add a markup on any benefits premiums or administration costs.

Are employers required to offer 401k in Nebraska?

No. Organisations are not legally required to offer a 401k retirement plan (or any other type of savings plan) to their employees. However, they may choose to offer this benefit as part of their overall compensation package.

Nebraska , like many other countries, treats self-employed individuals or contractors and full-time employees differently. Misclassification of contractors in Nebraska may lead to fines and penalties for the offending company.

Taxes in Nebraska

Employment taxes and statutory fees affect both your payroll and your employees' paychecks in Nebraska. Note that your employees may be liable for additional local taxes.

Employer taxes

0%

Federal unemployment insurance tax (FUTA) (charged on the first $7,000 an employee earns per year)

0% to 5.4%

State unemployment insurance tax (SUTA)

0.0%

FICA (Social security)

0.00%

FICA (Medicare)

Employee taxes

0% to 37%

Federal income tax

0.00% to 5.84%

State income tax

0.0%

FICA (Social security)

0.00%

FICA (Medicare)

Vacation

In Nebraska, there is no state or federal law that requires employers to provide paid or unpaid vacation leave to their employees, although many organisations do.

Sick leave

In Nebraska, there is no state or federal law that requires employers to provide paid sick leave to their employees, although many organisations do. Can an employer deny sick time in Nebraska? Under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), eligible employees are entitled to up to 12 weeks of unpaid sick leave per year, provided they: Have worked for the same employer for at least 12 months Work in a location where at least 50 people are employed by the company within a 75-mile radius

Parental and maternity leave

Under the FMLA, employees are entitled to up to 12 weeks of unpaid maternity or paternity leave. Some organisations opt to pay a reduced salary during this period. Under state law, this also applies to adoptive parents.

Bereavement leave

Employers are not legally required to provide bereavement leave to their employees, although most organisations offer unpaid leave.

Jury duty

Employees must report for jury duty if summoned (unless exempt). Jurors are typically “on call” for two weeks. Do employers have to pay for jury duty in Nebraska? Yes. Nebraska is one of the few US states where employers must pay employees their full salary for the duration of the service. In addition, employers cannot penalize or terminate an employee on jury duty.

Military leave

Under state and federal law, employers must grant unpaid leave to employees who are members of the military or the National Guard for military duty or training. These employees have the right to take time off for their military obligations, and employers are prohibited from discriminating against them based on their military service. Under state law, eligible employees are also entitled to unpaid leave if their spouse or child is called up for active military duty. Employers with 15 to 50 employees must provide 15 unpaid days, and employers with over 50 employees must provide 30 unpaid days.

Termination process

Like nearly all US states, Nebraska is an “at-will” state. This means both employers and employees can end the employment relationship without reason, provided it is legal.

Remote’s legal experts can help you navigate terminations to ensure employees are only let go fairly, negating any potential legal complications.

Notice period

Employers and employees are not required to provide notice of termination, unless otherwise stated in the employment contract.

Despite this, it's usually customary for employees to provide two weeks' notice when leaving an organisation.

Severance pay

Employers are not legally required to provide severance pay (unless it is stipulated in the employee's contract or in the company policy).

However, employers must pay out any accrued but unused vacation time or sick leave.

Probation period

There is no requirement to provide a probation period for employees, although many companies implement internal probation policies. These policies typically involve a formal performance evaluation after a specified period, such as three or six months.

Payroll management in Nebraska

Nebraska has a strong economy supported by industries such as agriculture, transportation, healthcare, and manufacturing. With state-specific payroll regulations, including a higher minimum wage and UI tax requirements, employers in Nebraska must ensure compliance with both state and federal payroll laws. Understanding these regulations is crucial for smooth payroll operations and compliance.

Payroll breakdown in Nebraska

Employers in Nebraska must adhere to both federal and state payroll regulations regarding wages, taxes, and benefits. Below is an overview of key payroll components:

Minimum wage and overtime

  • Minimum wage: Nebraska’s minimum wage is $12.00 per hour, with scheduled increases to $15.00 by 2026.

  • Overtime rules:

State income tax

  • Nebraska has a progressive state income tax system, with rates ranging from 2.46% to 6.64%, depending on income levels.

  • Employers must withhold state income tax and remit it to the Nebraska Department of Revenue.

Unemployment insurance (UI) tax

  • Employers must contribute to Nebraska’s Unemployment Insurance (UI) program, managed by the Nebraska Department of Labour.

  • The UI wage base in Nebraska is $9,000.

  • UI tax rates vary based on an employer’s experience rating and range from 0% to 5.4%.

  • New employers typically pay a 1.25% UI tax rate.

Workers’ compensation

  • Nebraska law requires most employers with one or more employees to carry workers’ compensation insurance to cover medical expenses and lost wages for employees injured on the job.

  • Some exemptions apply, including certain agricultural workers and independent contractors.

Payroll tax filing and payment deadlines

  • Employers must register for a Nebraska Employer Withholding Tax Account with the Nebraska Department of Revenue.

  • State withholding tax returns must be filed monthly, quarterly, or annually, depending on employer classification.

  • UI tax reports must be submitted quarterly to the Nebraska Department of Labour.

  • Payroll tax payments can be made electronically through the Nebraska Department of Revenue’s e-File system.

Quick facts: Important considerations for employers

  • State minimum wage compliance: Nebraska’s minimum wage is higher than the federal rate, and employers must comply with state laws.

  • Final paycheck rules:

  • New hire reporting: Employers must report new hires to the Nebraska State Directory of New Hires within 20 days.

  • Paid sick leave: Nebraska does not require employers to provide paid sick leave, but employers may choose to offer it as a benefit.

  • Payroll recordkeeping: Employers must maintain payroll records for at least three years to comply with state and federal laws.

  • Right-to-work state: Nebraska is a right-to-work state, meaning employees cannot be required to join a union as a condition of employment.

Run payroll in Nebraska with Remote

Managing payroll in Nebraska requires careful attention to state-specific regulations, including minimum wage compliance, UI tax requirements, and workers’ compensation laws. Employers must stay informed about tax rates, wage laws, and reporting deadlines to ensure smooth payroll processing and avoid penalties.

The good news is, you can pay anyone, anywhere — from your team in the office to your team abroad, all with Remote Payroll. To see just how easy global payroll can be, book a demo with Remote today.

Contractor management in Nebraska

Hiring contractors in Nebraska can be a strategic and cost-effective way for businesses to complete projects without the obligations of hiring full-time employees. Whether you are engaging independent contractors for specialized services or bringing in subcontractors for labour-intensive projects, understanding Nebraska’s laws and federal regulations is essential.

Staying compliant with Remote’s contractor management

Remote helps businesses stay compliant when hiring contractors globally with these key features:

  • Global compliance support : Ensures adherence to labour laws in 200+ countries with localized contracts and proper documentation.

  • Misclassification protection : Includes built-in compliance checks and seamless contractor-to-employee conversion.

  • Centralized documentation : Maintains essential records for audits and automates tax filings (e.g., 1099s for U.S. contractors).

  • Legal expertise : Provides guidance on complex local labour laws, simplifying international hiring.

Remote’s streamlined approach minimizes compliance risks and simplifies contractor management for businesses.

Seamless contractor payments with Remote

Remote simplifies contractor payments with:

  • Automated processing : One-click approvals, bulk payments, recurring invoices, and real-time tracking.

  • Global coverage : Payments in 200+ countries, multiple payment methods, and currency flexibility.

  • Cost and compliance : Fair price guarantee (pay only for active contractors), built-in compliance with regional regulations, and localized contracts.

Learn more about how Remote simplifies contractor management in Nebraska —get started for free today.

Employer of record in Nebraska

Our employer of record (EOR) service enables you to hire, manage, and pay top talent in Nebraska with speed and simplicity.

What is an EOR — and how does it work?

Remote’s EOR allows your company to legally hire employees in any country or US state — including Nebraska — wherever your business is based, without having to set up a local legal entity.

On paper, Remote is the official employer, and we handle compliance, payroll, benefits (including equity), and other HR processes — but you maintain full control over the hire’s day-to-day management and work responsibilities. Learn more.

Who should consider using an EOR in Nebraska?

An EOR may be ideal if your company:

  • Needs to hire employees in Nebraska but doesn’t want to establish a legal entity there

  • Is testing local markets before committing to a full business expansion

  • Wants to ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and tax requirements

  • Needs a fast, cost-effective way to onboard employees in the state

  • Needs a temporary hiring solution before establishing a legal entity

Why use Remote’s EOR in Nebraska?

If your company wants to hire talent in Nebraska but doesn't have a legal entity there, our EOR provides a fully compliant and efficient solution. Whether you’re hiring from outside the US, or from a different US state, there are strict employment and payroll processes that you must adhere to. Our EOR service ensures you meet these legal obligations while enabling you to grow quickly.

Key benefits of hiring through our EOR in Nebraska include:

  • Faster market entry . You can hire talent quickly, without having to wait months to establish a local entity.

  • Full compliance with local employment laws . Avoid the legal risks associated with non-compliance and misclassification.

  • Simplified payroll management . We automate payroll tax calculations and ensure you are fully compliant with all federal, state, and local withholding obligations, even when laws change.

  • Lower costs. Setting up a legal entity in Nebraska can be costly and time-consuming. An EOR eliminates the need for entity registration, reducing overhead expenses.

  • Fewer resources required. With HR, payroll, and compliance managed by the EOR, your company can concentrate on scaling operations and assigning your resources elsewhere.

It’s also crucial to note that, at Remote, we own all our own legal entities. As a result, we don’t need to rely on third parties, which can incur delays and extra costs, and result in a negative employee experience. All our EOR services — including the dedicated support of our local specialists — are provided in-house.

To learn more — and to see our EOR platform in action — book a demo with one of our friendly experts today.

Scale your team with a PEO in Nebraska

Nebraska offers a stable economy, low unemployment, and a strong workforce across sectors like agriculture, finance, insurance, and transportation. Whether you’re a startup expanding across the midwest or an SMB ready to build a distributed team, managing HR, payroll, and compliance across state lines can quickly become overwhelming. That’s where a professional employer organisation (PEO) can help.

What is a professional employer organisation (PEO)?

A professional employer organisation (PEO) is a third-party provider that helps businesses handle key HR functions. These typically include payroll, benefits administration, tax filings, and employment law compliance. With a PEO, your business enters into a co-employment relationship, meaning the PEO takes on the administrative and legal tasks related to employment — while you retain full control over day-to-day management of your team.

For small to midsize companies, a PEO can provide enterprise-grade HR services without the cost or complexity of building an in-house department.

PEO vs EOR: What’s the difference?

As mentioned, a PEO operates through a co-employment model, which requires your company to be registered and operating in Nebraska.

In contrast, an employer of record (EOR) acts as the legal employer on your behalf. EORs are typically used for hiring in states (or countries) where your business doesn’t yet have a legal presence. If you’re hiring your first employee in Nebraska and don’t yet have an entity or tax setup, an EOR may be a better fit initially.

Why use a PEO in Nebraska?

Working with a PEO in Nebraska offers several advantages, such as:

  • Compliance with state employment laws and tax regulations

  • Access to affordable, competitive employee benefits packages

  • Reduced administrative burden around payroll and HR documentation

  • Simplified onboarding, performance tracking, and employee offboarding

  • Minimized risk around misclassification, workplace policies, and employee relations

Nebraska employers must also navigate unique state laws, including workers’ compensation requirements and specific tax obligations. Remote’s PEO helps you stay compliant while keeping your HR operations lean and efficient.

How to use a PEO in Nebraska

To partner with a PEO in Nebraska, your business must have a registered legal entity in the state. Once that’s in place, our PEO service takes on your HR administration tasks such as running payroll, administering benefits, and filing local and federal taxes.

Remote’s PEO services integrate seamlessly into your operations, whether you're hiring your fifth employee or your 50th. You maintain full control over how your team works while we handle the operational complexities behind the scenes.

Is a PEO right for your business?

If your company is legally established in Nebraska and you're looking for a scalable way to manage HR, a PEO is an ideal solution. You’ll gain access to expert support, reduce your compliance risk, and free up time to focus on growth.

If you're just entering Nebraska and don’t yet have a legal entity, consider starting with an EOR and transitioning to a PEO as you scale.

Streamline HR and payroll in Nebraska with Remote

Remote makes it easy to manage HR, payroll, and compliance across all 50 states. Learn more about our PEO services and how we can support your team’s growth in Nebraska.

Fair Pricing in Nebraska

Payroll

CA$39

Per employee/month

  • Robust, fully transparent payroll for international teams

  • Easy-to-use self-service platform

  • Dedicated specialists providing personalised support

  • Comply with local payroll regulations in every country

  • Centralised benefits management

  • Includes HR Core by default

Contractor Management

CA$39

Per contractor/month

  • Pay only for contractors you actively engage with

  • Collaborate with contractors located internationally

  • Draft, revise, and sign customised, localised contracts

  • Approve contractor invoices with a single click or enable auto-pay

  • Transparent payment flows with full visibility

  • Comes with HR Core included as standard

Employer of Record

CA$945

Per employee/month

  • Hire staff in over 90 countries without creating a local entity

  • Onboarding coordinated by a dedicated specialist

  • Local payroll processed punctually, every time

  • Built-in compliance safeguards

  • Localised benefits that are competitive and flexible

  • In-house experts dedicated to local support

  • HR Essentials included as standard