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The 10 Lowest Paying Jobs in Nebraska for 2026
Reflecting on my high school days, I fondly remember working at the local movie theater, earning minimum wage alongside complimentary popcorn and movie tickets. At that time, making $5.86 per hour felt sufficient. However, fast forward to 2026, and it’s hard to imagine surviving on such a low income.
This nostalgia prompted me to explore the current job market landscape in Nebraska. Who are the individuals earning the least in today’s economy?
Building on our previous research regarding the highest paying jobs in Nebraska, we utilized updated data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to identify the lowest-paying jobs in the state.
Our analysis reveals that Amusement and Recreation Attendants currently hold the position of the lowest-paid employees in Nebraska.
Here’s a quick look at the 10 lowest paying jobs in Nebraska for 2026:
- Amusement and Recreation Attendants
- Counter Attendants, Cafeteria, Food Concession, and Coffee Shop
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers
- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers
- Bartenders
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers
- Cooks, Fast Food
- Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop
- Combined Food Preparation and Serving Workers, Including Fast Food
To gain more insights into the pay structure of these low-wage jobs, continue reading or check out our additional resources on the Nebraska job market:
- Explore the Best Marketing Agencies to Work For in Omaha
- Discover the Best Jobs in Nebraska for Recent College Graduates
- Check out the Fastest Growing Jobs in Nebraska
How We Identified the Lowest Paid Jobs in Nebraska
We analyzed the BLS data set for all job classifications in Nebraska, focusing on those with the lowest compensation. This data will be updated annually as new information becomes available from the BLS, with the latest figures reflecting 2026 trends.
For further reading, consider these articles:
Detailed List of the Lowest Paying Jobs in Nebraska
| Rank | Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amusement And Recreation Attendants | $21,530 |
| 2 | Counter Attendants, Cafeteria, Food Concession, And Coffee Shop | $21,690 |
| 3 | Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, And Other Recreational Protective Service Workers | $21,760 |
| 4 | Ushers, Lobby Attendants, And Ticket Takers | $21,930 |
| 5 | Bartenders | $22,140 |
| 6 | Dining Room And Cafeteria Attendants And Bartender Helpers | $22,320 |
| 7 | Cooks, Fast Food | $22,490 |
| 8 | Locker Room, Coatroom, And Dressing Room Attendants | $22,500 |
| 9 | Hosts And Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, And Coffee Shop | $22,760 |
| 10 | Combined Food Preparation And Serving Workers, Including Fast Food | $22,850 |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
