Nebraska Overtime Laws
Nebraska follows federal FLSA overtime rules.
Weekly OT Threshold
40 hrs
Daily OT Threshold
None
Double Time
No
Minimum Wage
$13.50
Overtime Rules
| Weekly Overtime | Hours over 40 in a workweek paid at 1.5x |
| Daily Overtime | Not required by state law |
| Double Time | Not required by state law |
| 7th Consecutive Day | No special rule |
Exemptions
The following categories of employees may be exempt from overtime requirements:
Standard FLSA exemptions apply
Important Notes
Nebraska follows federal FLSA overtime rules.
State Labor Department
Nebraska Economy and Workforce
Nebraska's economy reached $145.9 billion in real GDP in 2024, with the state ranking 10th highest for GDP per capita. The economy is driven by agriculture, food processing, manufacturing, and financial services, with strong demand for Nebraska-made food products supporting manufacturing growth.
Industries with Common Overtime
These Nebraska industries frequently involve overtime work situations:
Food Processing and Manufacturing
As a major agricultural state, Nebraska's food processing plants and meatpacking facilities frequently require overtime work during harvest seasons and to meet consumer demand for food products.
Agriculture
Farm workers often work extended hours during planting and harvest seasons, though agricultural employees may have different overtime exemptions under federal law.
Healthcare
Healthcare and social services showed significant job gains, with nurses and medical staff commonly working overtime shifts in hospitals and care facilities.
Construction
Nebraska's construction sector has been a driver of economic growth, with workers frequently logging overtime hours during favorable weather months and project deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nebraska does not have a state overtime law. Overtime wages can only be claimed under the Nebraska Wage Payment and Collection Act if previously agreed upon by the employer and employee. However, most employers are covered by the federal FLSA, which requires overtime pay at 1.5 times your regular rate for hours over 40 per week.
With Nebraska's minimum wage at $13.50 per hour as of January 2025, the minimum federal overtime rate is $20.25 per hour (1.5 times the regular rate). Your actual overtime rate depends on your regular hourly wage.
For federal FLSA overtime violations, contact the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division at 402-221-4682. You can also file a wage claim with the Nebraska Department of Labor or consult with an employment attorney about filing a lawsuit.
How to File a Wage Claim in Nebraska
If you believe you are owed overtime pay, follow these steps:
Document all hours worked and gather pay stubs, time records, and any employment agreements
Try to resolve the issue directly with your employer first
File a wage claim with the Nebraska Department of Labor for state wage violations
For overtime claims under federal law, contact the U.S. Department of Labor at 402-221-4682 or file online at dol.gov
Important Nebraska Consideration
Nebraska is unique in that state law does not independently require overtime pay. The Nebraska Wage Payment and Collection Act only allows overtime claims if overtime pay was previously agreed upon between employer and employee. Most workers in Nebraska are protected by federal FLSA standards, but agricultural workers and small employers not engaged in interstate commerce may fall outside federal protections.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Overtime laws can change and may have exceptions not listed here. For specific situations, consult with your employer's HR department, the state labor department, or an employment attorney.