Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in Nebraska 2024 (Inc Salaries)

Beautiful is the word that best describe the State of Nebraska. With its towering Sandhill dunes, impressive rock formations, and breathtaking Great Plains, it’s truly one of the best states for incredible views and remarkable natural beauty.

But the gorgeous landscapes aside, there's one more thing to love about this state: the low cost of living.

With a cost of living score of 87.8, living expenses in Nebraska are 12.2% lower than the US average.

So, how much do you need to make to live comfortably in this state? GoBankingRates.com says the minimum living wage is around $66,972 per person.

The good news is that the average annual salary of a typical worker in Nebraska is slightly above this, giving them a few extra dollars for savings. And if you get the chance to land the best-paying jobs in this state, you get to enjoy a great life in this state.

If you want to find high-paying jobs in Nebraska that can help you achieve your dream career and life, check out our list below.

1. Anesthesiologist (and all Other Types of Physicians)

• Salary Range: $366,000 to $663,000, with an average yearly income of $351,200

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 3% (24,200 employment opportunities)

*projected growth rate includes demand for all types of physicians 

Due to the increasing need for medical care, physicians have become one of the highest-paying jobs in the U.S. Anesthesiologists have garnered the top spot in Nebraska and are also considered to be one of the best-paying jobs in Lincoln.

Anesthesiologists specialize in providing and administering anaesthetic care to ensure that patients won't feel any pain during surgery. They are also responsible for monitoring the patient's vital statistics and ensuring they remain stable throughout the procedure. Lastly, they are in charge of minimizing post-operative pain through IV and oral pain medications.

After obtaining a medical degree, doctors need to complete a residency program in the medical specialty of their choice, pass the USMLE to get a medical license and obtain relevant certifications to get board-certified in their chosen field.

In the case of aspiring anesthesiologists, they need to complete a residency program in anesthesiology and obtain board certifications from the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA). 

According to BLS, Lincoln, NE is one of the top paying metropolitan areas for anesthesiologists.

2. Podiatrist

• Salary Range: $294,000 to $548,000, with an expected annual pay of $279,300

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 1% (100 new jobs) 

Podiatrists are doctors of the feet, ankles, and legs. They are the healthcare experts people visit when they have foot conditions and injuries, such as balance problems, sprains, heel and arch pain, and more.

After conducting physical examinations and a few tests, they may provide foot care advice, teach the patients specific foot and leg exercises, prescribe medications, or recommend orthotics (custom-made shoe inserts).

After graduating from a podiatric medical school, aspiring podiatrists will earn a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree instead of an MD. Their next step is to complete a residency program in the discipline of their choice. Lastly, they must pass the National Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners (NBPME) examination to get their license. 

Offering an hourly mean wage of $90.80, Omaha-Council Bluffs is one of the top-paying metropolitan areas for podiatrists.

3. Dentist

• Salary Range: $223,000 to $379,000, with an average annual salary of $196,400

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 4% (6,800 job vacancies) 

Dentists are medical practitioners skilled in promoting and managing good oral health through preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic dental care services.

They diagnose dental conditions through X-rays, mouth swabs, bite imprints, and CBCT. They also treat and manage dental diseases and bite issues through cosmetic fillings, crowns and bridges, and dentures and veneers.

The essential requirement for dentists is a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. To secure their license, they must also pass the National Board of Dental Examinations (NBDE). Lastly, they must complete a residency program to specialize in their chosen field.

In Nebraska, all aspiring dentists are required to pass a jurisprudence examination and a criminal background check. 

Offering an average yearly income 21.6% above the Nebraska average, Scottsbluff is the best-paying city for dentist jobs in Nebraska.

4. Chief Executives

• Salary Range: $191,000 to $356,000, with an estimated total pay of $137,300

*salary information is for the CEO, the highest-paid chief executive

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 3% (311,600 new jobs)

*projected growth includes demand for general and operations managers

 Chief Executives is the collective term for the high-ranking individuals who take on top-level management responsibilities in the company's key areas. These C-level managers are responsible for setting the vision for their department and developing a strategic plan for achieving those goals.

Most companies only have a Chief Executive Officer (CEO). However, larger companies need more people for these roles, and they are often found in these critical departments:

• Operations (Chief Operating Officer)

• Finance (Chief Finance Officer)

• Marketing (Chief Marketing Officer)

• Information Technology (Chief Information Officer),

• and many more

Since these are top-tier management positions, they require more qualifications. In addition to a master's degree in business administration (MBA) and extensive work experience, including years of managerial experience, it's important for chief executives to develop strong leadership skills and have industry expertise, which they can get through mentorship, a strong business network, and executive certifications. 

There are 2,880 executives and managers in Nebraska, making it the state with the highest concentration and location quotients for this position.

5. Truck Driver/ Owner Operator

• Salary Range: $126,000 to $181,000, with an average median wage of $133,700

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 4% (89,300 employment postings)

*projected growth rate is for heavy and tractor-trailer truck driver jobs 

Instead of working for a trucking company, they drive their own truck to pick up, transport, and unload cargo and freight for their clients.

They also operate and manage the entire trucking business, so they have the freedom to choose the clients they work with and the type of cargo they deliver. They also take on major administrative roles like determining the routes, planning the loading and unloading times, and managing the business' budget and paperwork.

A commercial driver's license and business license are the two most important requirements for entering this industry. Prospective drivers need to pass the CLP tests, medical exam, vehicle inspection, and road test to secure CDLs with the right class.

After that, they can proceed to file for a USDOT Number, get a trucking authority, and purchase or lease trucks to get their business license and start their own business. 

Scottsbluff offers the best salaries for drivers/ owner operators – 20.5% above the NE average.

6. Optometrist

• Salary Range: $120,000 to $182,000, with an estimated yearly salary of $125,300

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 9% (1,700 job posts) 

Optometrists are the primary eye care provider among the three eye doctors. They are the specialists that patients visit for routine eye exams and to obtain different vision aids, such as eyeglasses, sunglasses, contact lenses, and other specialized low-vision devices. 

In addition to vision issues, they also use medications to treat the most common eye issues, such as eye infections and inflammation.

The basic requirement for this position is a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree. Prospective optometrists must also pass the National Board of Examiners in Optometry assessment. Applicants in Nebraska are also required to pass an additional jurisprudence examination.

While not required, obtaining certifications from the American Board of Optometry and gaining relevant experience is highly recommended. 

According to Glassdoor, these eye professionals may also receive an average additional pay of $21,600 through cash bonuses.

7. Commercial Pilot

• Salary Range: $123,000 to $222,000, with an expected annual pay of $119,200

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 4% (2,100 new jobs ) 

Commercial pilots are hired to fly and operate complex aircraft for commercial purposes, like transporting passengers, delivering cargo, aerial surveying, spraying crops, etc. They usually work for airlines, cargo companies, government agencies, and corporations.

After earning a private pilot certificate, instrument rating, and multi-engine rating, pilots must complete at least 250 hours of flight time and pass the Commercial Pilot Airplane Exam (CAX) before getting their commercial pilot license.

From there, they can pursue additional certifications that can help them advance their careers. The top certifications to consider are the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate or Flight Instructor Certification (CFI). 

The types of commercial pilots that receive the best pay in Nebraska are Corporate Pilots, Helicopter Pilots, and Air Medical Pilots.

8. Pharmacist

• Salary Range: $108,000 to $153,000, with an average yearly income of $117,500

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 8% (13,400 job vacancies) 

Pharmacists are the healthcare industry’s medication experts. Their main goal is to ensure the safe and effective use of all types of drugs. In addition to interpreting and filling doctor's prescriptions and orders, pharmacists are also responsible for providing medication counselling and educating patients on proper drug usage and potential side effects or interactions.

Other duties and responsibilities may include administering vaccines (community pharmacists), preparing custom medications (compounding pharmacists), conducting new drug research (pharmaceutical pharmacists), and collaborating with other healthcare professionals to monitor drugs' effects on patients (clinical pharmacists).

A license is the most significant requirement for practicing pharmacy in Nebraska. The requirements to becoming a licensed pharmacist include a PharmD degree, clinical experience, and passing the NAPLEX and MPJE examinations. 

As per ZipRecruiter data, Bellevue is the top-paying city in Nebraska for pharmacists.

9. Nurse Practitioner

• Salary Range: $113,000 to $166,000, with a median annual wage of $117,400

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 45% (118,600 job postings) 

Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), meaning they have additional training and education and higher authority and expertise than registered nurses. However, their scope of practice may vary depending on state laws.

The regulatory structure for NPs in NE is full practice, which means they are allowed to perform a variety of healthcare services, including evaluating and diagnosing medical conditions and prescribing and managing treatments and medications on their own—much as physicians do.

After obtaining their BSN degree and required clinical experience, aspiring NPs must earn an advanced nursing degree—either an MSN or DNP. However, it's important to note that most employers prefer the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.

The last step is to pass the certification examination administered by the American Nurse Credentialing Center (ANCC) to secure their APRN-NP license and get board-certified in their area of expertise. 

According to ZipRecruiter, a Critical Care Nurse Practitioner is the best-paid NP in Nebraska.

10. Database Architect

• Salary Range: $115,000 to $164,000, with an average annual salary of $113,900

• US Job Outlook (2022-32): 8% (10,200 employment opportunities)

Database architects are IT professionals responsible for mapping out, designing, and constructing large systems that fit the company's IT and security needs. J

Their job duties include designing the data infrastructure to ensure that the databases will be robust, secure, and scalable enough to support the organization's growing needs. 

In short, they are responsible for planning how the databases work and look.

While a bachelor’s degree in computer science is the minimum requirement for this role, getting a Master of Data Science degree is the best way to get that competitive edge. Earning additional certifications from reliable associations and vendors is also a great idea.

With 460 employed database architects in Omaha- Council Bluffs, NE-IA, it’s one of the top metropolitan areas with the highest job concentration and location quotient for this position.

If you don’t have a college degree, below are some of the jobs available in Nebraska that offer the best salaries:

• Claims adjusters appraise property damage to determine how much the insurance company should pay for a claim. Aside from inspections and preparation of underwriting reports, they also act as liaison between the home office and agency force in the adjustment of claims.

• Flight attendants make sure passengers are comfortable the moment they enter the aircraft. They are also responsible for keeping passengers safe and ensuring that they follow safety regulations throughout the flight.

• Data entry-level jobs involve entering important company information into their database or computer system.

• Customer service representative jobs involve answering client questions, providing information about products and services and resolving customer complaints. Their main goal is cultivating and maintaining good customer service relations.

FAQs

What is the highest paying job within Nebraska State in 2024?

Physicians receive the best salaries in Nebraska. Anesthesiologists are the highest-paid occupation among the various medical specialties in this state.

According to Glassdoor, these pain management professionals earn an average annual salary of $351,200. They may even receive an estimated additional pay of $136,700 through cash bonuses.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which Nebraska jobs are projected to have the highest level of growth?

According to the BLS, Nurse Practitioners will be the fastest-growing occupation on the list. Their demand is projected to increase by 45%, which means this industry will generate up to 118,600 new jobs by 2032.

What is the best career path in Nebraska in 2024?

Considering the nature and projected growth rate of most occupations in the list, the healthcare and medical industry will be the best career path in Nebraska in 2024.

Information Technology and Business are other sectors job seekers should consider when looking for a thriving career in Nebraska.

What skills or expertise is required for high-paying Nebraska jobs?

Industry-specific knowledge and expertise are the most essential things to have for career success in these high-paying Nebraska jobs.

For example, medical and healthcare jobs require extensive clinical skills and medical knowledge. In contrast, jobs in the business sector require an in-depth understanding of financial management and marketing.

Developing soft skills is also highly recommended. The must-have soft skills for career success are adaptability, communication, teamwork, time management, critical thinking, and networking.

Above all, leadership and management are the two most essential skills when vying for higher-paying roles since these demonstrate your ability to work well with your colleagues and grow with the company. 

Download Our Free Report now to discover which skills you need to develop for your chosen career!

What qualifications are required for high paying Nebraska jobs?

The education requirements for these high-paying Nebraska jobs vary depending on the sector they are in. Here’s a summary of the different qualifications you need to get these jobs:

• Master’s degree for Database Architect,

• Medical degree for Physicians and Surgeons,

• Doctoral-level degrees for Podiatrists, Pharmacists, Optometrists, Dentists, and Nurse Practitioners,

• Bachelor’s degree for Pilots,

• College degree or high school diploma plus relevant work experience for Truck drivers/ owner operators,

• and MBA degrees for CEOs and career advancement in all industries.

Why is gaining a BBA/MBA degree beneficial to earn a high-paying job in Nebraska?

Obtaining a business degree is a life-changing experience, both professionally and personally. With the amount of discipline, time, and money needed to finish this program, it can be a good training ground for honing your soft skills.

But more than that, it can teach you excellent leadership and management experience that will help improve your career prospects and make you viable for a higher role with a more competitive salary.

The most important thing you can get from business degrees is networking opportunities. These programs will allow you to meet and build relationships with the experts in your industries, allowing you to learn from the best of the best.

Conclusion

The success of employment in Nebraska depends on two factors: the city where you live and your education level.

According to Monster.com, Lincoln and Omaha are the best cities to find top jobs in Nebraska for 2024. Since Omaha is home to lots of Fortune 500 companies, business positions would be the best Omaha jobs. On the other hand, the best Lincoln jobs would be in the healthcare and agriculture sectors.

Regarding education level, the more advanced the degree, the higher pay you can get. But if you want a degree that can improve your career prospects in all industries, consider getting a business degree. It will provide you with the best career advancement opportunities and skills.

Here’s some good news: Nexford offers online BBA and MBA programs that provide a flexible learning experience. These programs allow you to learn where and when you want, so you can earn while you learn.