Healthcare Lincoln, NE Pop. 291,082

Registered Nurse Salary in Lincoln, Nebraska

The median registered nurse salary in Lincoln, NE is $73,098 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 0.0% above the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$73,098
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-8,122
Cost of Living
90%

Registered Nurse Pay in Lincoln: What to Expect (2026)

Lincoln offers a median registered nurse salary of $73,098, which is $0 above the Nebraska state average of $73,098. Compared to the national median of $81,220, Lincoln pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Lincoln's cost of living is 90% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for registered nurses in Lincoln spans from $51,660 at the 10th percentile to $108,720 at the 90th percentile — a $57,060 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $52,200, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $103,500. With a population of 291,082, Lincoln is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Registered Nurse Salary in Lincoln by Experience

In Lincoln, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $52,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $103,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$52,200
$-5,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$73,800
$-8,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$103,500
$-11,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lincoln, NE

Percentile Lincoln
10th Percentile $51,660
25th Percentile $60,120
Median (50th) $73,098
75th Percentile $90,990
90th Percentile $108,720

Registered Nurse Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$75,535
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$74,722
Pop. 64,176
Kearney, NE
$69,849
Pop. 33,464
Grand Island, NE
$68,225
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Lincoln

Education

Most registered nurse positions require a bachelor's degree. Lincoln and the surrounding Nebraska area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Patient AssessmentMedication AdministrationCritical ThinkingCommunicationEMR SystemsBLS/ACLS

Job Outlook

Nationally, registered nurse employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Lincoln may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Registered Nurse Jobs in Lincoln

Browse open registered nurse positions in Lincoln, NE:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Lincoln

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Lincoln, NE? ▼
The median registered nurse salary in Lincoln, Nebraska is $73,098 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $51,660 (10th percentile) to $108,720 (90th percentile).
How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Lincoln? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $73,098, a registered nurse in Lincoln earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lincoln compare to the Nebraska state average for registered nurse pay? ▼
Lincoln's median registered nurse salary of $73,098 is 0.0% above the Nebraska state average of $73,098. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lincoln, NE? ▼
Lincoln has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a registered nurse salary of $73,098 in Lincoln has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a registered nurse in Lincoln? ▼
Most registered nurse positions in Lincoln require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Patient Assessment, Medication Administration, Critical Thinking, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.