Nebraska might not be the first place that pops into your head when you think “hot job market,” but in 2025 it’s quietly one of the smartest spots in the country to put a college degree to work. There are some really great Nebraska jobs. Unemployment is hanging around 2.8 %, houses are still cheaper than a decent used truck, and companies are paying serious money because they’re short on qualified talent. Omaha has become a real player in tech and finance, Lincoln runs on university energy and steady employers, and places like Grand Island and Kearney are holding their own. Here are six great Nebraska jobs that are wide open right now for anyone with a bachelor’s (or higher) in hand—and a few stories from people I know who are cashing in.
1. Software / Data Engineer
Average pay: $95k–$135k
Omaha’s “Silicon Prairie” nickname isn’t a joke anymore. Union Pacific, First National Bank, Mutual of Omaha, and a swarm of ag-tech startups are hiring engineers like it’s going out of style. CS, data science, or even a solid stats degree gets you in.
Why it’s ridiculous right now: You’re making Denver money while your mortgage is half what your Colorado friends pay. Most gigs are hybrid, so you can live in Lincoln and still pull six figures.
Hot spots: Omaha (especially the Blackstone district), Lincoln.
Names throwing cash: Kiewit, Hudl, Fiserv, Nelnet.
Buddy who moved from Chicago last year: “Same salary, but I bought a four-bedroom with a three-car garage and still have money left for season tickets.”
2. Registered Nurse (BSN)
Average pay: $75k–$105k + $20k–$30k sign-on bonuses
Nebraska Medicine in Omaha, Bryan Health in Lincoln, and CHI Health across the state are in a full-on nurse bidding war. Rural spots like Kearney and North Platte are offering even more.
Why it’s stupid money: Nebraska has nurse shortages worse than most Midwest states, so they’re paying permanent staff what travelers used to make for the great Nebraska jobs.
3. Supply Chain / Logistics Analyst
Average pay: $70k–$100k
You’re in the middle of everything—Union Pacific’s HQ, ConAgra, Kawasaki, and the new Costco poultry plant mean great Nebraska jobs optimizing freight and inventory.
Why it’s hot: Six Sigma Black Belt in two years is basically guaranteed, and promotions come fast when you can save a railroad millions.
4. Financial Analyst / Actuary
Average pay: $75k–$110k
Omaha is “the Insurance Capital of the Midwest.” Mutual of Omaha, Berkshire Hathaway subsidiaries, Pacific Life, and the big mutuals need analysts and actuaries who can crunch risk.
Why it’s sneaky good: Starting pay beats most Midwest cities, and the CFA or actuarial exams actually get you real raises here with these great Nebraska jobs.
5. Manufacturing / Process Engineer
Average pay: $80k–$115k
Lincoln (Kawasaki, Molex), Grand Island (Case IH), and Omaha’s food-processing giants are still making real stuff and need engineers who can keep the lines running.
Why it’s hot: Overtime is plentiful, tuition reimbursement is basically free money, and you can own a process end-to-end instead of being a tiny cog.
6. High School Teacher – Math, Science, SpEd
Average pay: $55k–$80k + loan forgiveness & housing help
Omaha Public Schools, Lincoln Public, and rural districts like Norfolk or Scottsbluff are tossing $10k–$20k bonuses at anyone who can teach high-need subjects.
Why people stay: Class sizes are sane, kids still say “yes ma’am/sir,” and you’re off by 3:30 with summers to fish the Platte or road-trip to Denver.
How to Actually Land One of These Great Nebraska Jobs (the cheat sheet)
- Put “open to Omaha metro” or “willing to relocate to Lincoln” in your LinkedIn headline—recruiters search that exact phrase daily.
- Hit the NebraskaWorks job fairs (they’re painfully effective).
- Use government resources, but the real action is the local “Tech & Tacos” meetups in Omaha and the Lincoln Young Professionals happy hours.
- Tailor your resume to show money saved or revenue made—Nebraska bosses eat that up.
The truth is, Nebraska doesn’t need to shout about what it offers—it just delivers. Solid paychecks, houses you can actually own, and a pace of life that leaves room for the things that matter. Plenty of folks I know came here planning to stay a couple years and ended up planting roots. Great Nebraska jobs aren’t some hidden secret anymore, but there’s still plenty of room at the table.
If any of this sounds like the change you’re ready for, quit scrolling and start earning your degree.