Creative & Education Nebraska (NE) Rank #36 of 50

Social Worker Salary in Nebraska

The median social worker salary in Nebraska is $49,815 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $55,350.

Median Salary
$49,815
vs National
$-5,535
State Rank
#36 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Social Worker Salary Overview in Nebraska (2026)

Nebraska ranks #36 out of 50 states for social worker compensation. Social Worker salaries in Nebraska are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $49,815 per year, social workers in Nebraska earn $5,535 less than the national median of $55,350.

A key advantage of working in Nebraska is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $49,815 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $55,350 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Nebraska is significant: social workers at the 10th percentile earn $32,760, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $79,020 — a $46,260 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Nebraska for this role is Omaha, where the median reaches $51,476.

Nationally, social worker employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for social workers across the country.

Social Worker Salary in Nebraska by Experience

In Nebraska, an entry-level social worker earns around $34,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $73,800 per year. The cost of living index in Nebraska is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,200
$-3,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$50,400
$-5,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$73,800
$-8,200 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Nebraska

Percentile NE Salary
10th Percentile $32,760
25th Percentile $39,780
Median (50th) $49,815
75th Percentile $63,360
90th Percentile $79,020

Social Worker Salary by City in Nebraska

The largest employment areas for social workers in Nebraska include Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, and Grand Island. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Social Worker in Nebraska

Education

Most social worker positions require a bachelor's degree. Nebraska has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Case ManagementCounselingCrisis InterventionCommunity ResourcesAdvocacyDocumentation

Job Outlook in Nebraska

Nationally, social worker employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Nebraska's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Social Worker Salary in Nebraska

How much does a Social Worker make in Nebraska? ▼
The median social worker salary in Nebraska is $49,815 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $32,760 (10th percentile) to $79,020 (90th percentile).
How much does a Social Worker make per hour in Nebraska? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,815, a social worker in Nebraska earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Nebraska a good state for social workers? ▼
Nebraska ranks #36 out of 50 states for social worker pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level social workers earn $34,200, while senior professionals earn $73,800.
How does Nebraska compare to other states for social worker salary? ▼
The highest paying state for social workers is Hawaii at $94,095. Nebraska's median of $49,815 ranks #36 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Indiana ($49,815) and Michigan ($49,815).
What is the entry-level social worker salary in Nebraska? ▼
An entry-level social worker in Nebraska earns approximately $34,200 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $50,400. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $73,800.
What city in Nebraska pays social workers the most? ▼
Omaha is the highest paying city in Nebraska for social workers, with a median salary of $51,476. Other cities include Lincoln and Bellevue.