The Nebraska Department of Labor has updated its State of Nebraska Minimum Wage notice. The update adds minimum wage rates through 2030, introduces a youth minimum wage for employees ages 14 and 15 beginning July 17, 2026, and adds a training hourly wage rate chart for new employees ages 16 to 19 during the first 90 days of employment.
Nebraska employers should review their wage practices and posting compliance requirements following the release of the revised Minimum Wage notice. The updated poster reflects several changes resulting from Nebraska's voter-approved minimum wage increases and provides employers with important guidance regarding youth workers and eligible training wages.
State Minimum Wage Rates Through 2030
The most significant update to the poster is the addition of Nebraska's scheduled minimum wage rates through 2030. The revised notice provides businesses and their employees with a clear roadmap of future wage increases.
Under the updated schedule, Nebraska's minimum wage will be:
- $15.00 per hour beginning July 17, 2026
- $15.26 per hour beginning January 1, 2027
- $15.53 per hour beginning January 1, 2028
- $15.80 per hour beginning January 1, 2029
- $16.08 per hour beginning January 1, 2030
The updated poster presents these rates in an easy-to-read chart format, making future wage obligations readily accessible to both employers and employees.
New Youth Minimum Wage Begins July 17, 2026
For the first time, Nebraska employers will be permitted to pay a separate youth minimum wage to certain younger workers. Beginning July 17, 2026, employers may pay employees aged 14 or 15 a youth minimum wage of $13.50 per hour. The youth minimum wage remains at $13.50 through 2029, then increases to $13.70 per hour on January 1, 2030.
The poster also notes that the youth minimum wage will increase by 1.5% every fifth year thereafter, creating a long-term framework for youth wage adjustments.
For employers that hire younger workers in retail, food service, hospitality, recreation, and other entry-level positions, understanding these new wage provisions will be essential.
Training Wage Added for New Employees Ages 16–19
Another major addition to the poster is a new training wage chart for employees aged 16-19. Beginning July 17, 2026, employers may pay an eligible new employee aged 16 to 19 a training wage during the employee's first 90 days of employment.
The training wage rates through 2030 are as follows:
- $13.50 per hour effective July 17, 2026
- $13.70 per hour effective January 1, 2027
- $13.91 per hour effective January 1, 2028
- $14.12 per hour effective January 1, 2029
- $14.33 per hour effective January 1, 2030
The law specifies that this provision applies only to new employees ages 16 to 19 who are not seasonal or migrant workers. Employers should review the requirements of Nebraska Revised Statutes § 48-1203.01 before utilizing the training wage.
Employer Takeaways
Employers with locations in Nebraska should replace their outdated Minimum Wage notices with the revised version as soon as possible and by no later than the July 17th effective date. Affected Nebraska employers should also review payroll practices to ensure compliance with upcoming wage increases. Any businesses that employ teenagers should pay particular attention to the new youth wage and training wage provisions, as these changes may create additional payroll and recordkeeping considerations.
Labor Law Posters-Online's all-on-one Nebraska State and Federal Labor Law Poster includes the updated Minimum Wage notice along with all other required state and federal postings. Customers enrolled in our annual poster update service automatically receive mandatory posting revisions as they become available, helping ensure continued compliance with changing labor law requirements.