Can my employer deduct from my wages?

Deductions are generally limited to those required by law (taxes, garnishments) or authorized in writing by the employee [§ 48-1230]. Unauthorized deductions may violate state wage payment laws.

How do I file a wage claim?

You can file a complaint with the Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission or the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division. An attorney can help determine the best approach for your situation.

Topic guideUpdated 2026-02-27

Nebraska Wage & Hour Claims — Minimum Wage, Overtime & Unpaid Wages

Minimum wage, overtime rules, wage payment requirements, and how to file a wage claim in Nebraska.

Nebraska has specific laws governing minimum wage, overtime, and the payment of wages §48-1230.

Minimum Wage

$15.00/hr (effective January 1, 2026; increases by 1.75% each January 1 beginning in 2027); lower youth, tipped, student-learner, and training wage rates may apply §48-1203; §48-1203.01.

Overtime

No state overtime law; federal FLSA overtime rules apply.

Wage Payment Requirements

Wages paid on regular paydays designated by the employer §48-1230.

Final Paycheck Rules

Final wages due on the next regular payday or within 2 weeks of termination, whichever is sooner §48-1230.

Common Wage Violations

Failure to pay minimum wage

Unpaid overtime or misclassification of exempt/non-exempt status

Unauthorized deductions from wages

Failure to pay final wages on time

Misclassification of employees as independent contractors

Off-the-clock work requirements

How to File a Wage Claim

Gather documentation: pay stubs, time records, employment contract, and written communications about pay

File a complaint with the Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission or the U.S. Department of Labor

Consider whether your claim falls under state law, the FLSA, or both

Consult with an employment attorney for complex claims or class actions

⚠The Statute of limitations for wage claims is typically 2 years under the FLSA (3 years for willful violations). State deadlines may differ.

✓Keep your own records of hours worked, especially if your employer does not provide accurate time records. Personal logs and calendars can be powerful evidence.

Prepare for Your Consultation

Quick checklist (Employment Law)

Gather these before your first consultation.

Employment records

(pay stubs, contracts, offer letters)

Communication evidence

(emails, texts, performance reviews)

Witness information

(coworkers who can corroborate)

General preparation tips only. Specific needs depend on your state and employment situation.

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Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

General answers to common questions. Specific outcomes depend on your facts and timing.

If you have a deadline, court notice, or upcoming hearing, mention it when requesting assistance so timing can be evaluated promptly.

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Wrongful Termination in Nebraska — Know Your Rights

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Nebraska Employment Contracts & Non-Competes

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Legal authoritiesStatutes referenced on this page

Neb. Rev. Stat. § 48-1203; 48-1203.01

Minimum Wage

$15.00/hr (effective January 1, 2026; increases by 1.75% each January 1 beginning in 2027); lower youth, tipped, student-learner, and training wage rates may apply.

$15.00/hr (effective January 1, 2026; increases by 1.75% each January 1 beginning in 2027); lower youth, tipped, student-learner, and training wage rates may apply

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Neb. Rev. Stat. § 48-1230

Wage Payment / Final Paycheck

Wages paid on regular paydays designated by the employer. Final wages due on the next regular payday or within 2 weeks of termination, whichever is sooner.

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Verified 2026-09-24 · quarterly review

Read with Neb. Rev. Stat. § 48-1203: Neb. Rev. Stat. § 48-1203.01 ↗

Citations link to official or authoritative sources. Laws change — verify current text before relying on any statute. How we verify citations →