Nebraska follows federal FLSA overtime: 1.5× after 40 hours per workweek.
NE
40
hrs
—
—
$13.50
/hr
Weekly overtime
Hours over 40 per workweek paid at 1.5×
Daily overtime
Not required by state law
Double time
Not required by state law
7th consecutive day
No special rule
The weekly timesheet automatically applies NE rules.
These categories of employees may be exempt from the overtime requirements above:
01
Standard FLSA exemptions apply
Nebraska follows federal FLSA overtime rules.
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.
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.
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.
If you believe you're owed unpaid overtime, here's what to do — in order.
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
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.
For general education only. Overtime law changes and has exceptions not listed here. For a specific situation, talk to your employer's HR department, the Nebraska Department of Labor, or an employment attorney.