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Verified by NE Board of Healthcare

Registered Nurse Licensing in Nebraska

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for registered nurse in Nebraska, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Registered Nurse in Nebraska

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Varies by state board.

  2. 2

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • State-approved exam

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Nebraska Dept. of Health & Human Services • Public Health Division, Licensure Unit, Office of Nursing • Public Health Division, Licensure Unit, Office of Nursing

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $81,020 median (13% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #36 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet Nebraska eligibility requirements for Registered Nurse licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training (Education: Varies by state board.).
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: State-approved exam.
  4. 4. Submit the application to Nebraska Dept. of Health & Human Services~Public Health Division, Licensure Unit, Office of Nursing~Public Health Division, Licensure Unit, Office of Nursing and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Nebraska

With a median salary of $81,020, Registered Nurses in Nebraska earn 13% below the national median of $93,600. Nebraska ranks #36 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.2%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,157

Median annual salary

$81,020

Hourly estimate

$38.95
13% below national median

Difference: -$12,580

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$63,290
  • P2525th percentile$76,430
  • P50Median$81,020
  • P7575th percentile$93,140
  • P9090th percentile$101,500

State vs National Median

State: $81,020
National: $93,600

Total employment: 24,180 | Annual openings: N/A

Registered Nurse Salary Ranking

#36 of 50 statesfor Registered Nurse median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$140,330
#2Hawaii$136,320
#3Oregon$123,990
#4Washington$112,180
#5Alaska$110,690

Nearby States Comparison

Registered Nurse licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Nebraska$81,020Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
South Dakota$69,510Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Iowa$76,960Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Missouri$79,770Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Kansas$78,060Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Colorado$96,520Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Wyoming$81,790Varies by state boardThird-party exam requiredVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Nebraska78HighBoard-specific review required.
South Dakota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Iowa68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Missouri68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Kansas68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Colorado68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Nebraska Dept. of Health & Human Services • Public Health Division, Licensure Unit, Office of Nursing • Public Health Division, Licensure Unit, Office of Nursing

301 Centennial Mall S, Lincoln, NE, 68509

Phone: 4022240317

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Nebraska

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Acupuncturist$78,140Varies by state board1-19 years
Anesthesiologist$389,480Varies by state board1-10 years
Athletic Trainer$57,430Varies by state board1-2 years
Audiologist$85,820Varies by state boardVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Registered Nurse in Nebraska?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical Registered Nurse salary in Nebraska?

The median annual salary for Registered Nurses in Nebraska is $81,020. Salaries range from $63,290 (10th percentile) to $101,500 (90th percentile).

How does the Registered Nurse salary in Nebraska compare to the national average?

Registered Nurses in Nebraska earn 13% below the national median of $93,600, with a state median of $81,020.

How many Registered Nurses work in Nebraska?

Nebraska employs approximately 24,180 Registered Nurses according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Registered Nurse license to Nebraska from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Registered Nurses in Nebraska?

The licensing agency is Nebraska Dept. of Health & Human Services / Public Health Division, Licensure Unit, Office of Nursing / Public Health Division, Licensure Unit, Office of Nursing. Review agency details at https://dhhs.ne.gov/licensure/pages/nurse-licensing.aspx.

How often do you renew a Registered Nurse license in Nebraska?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.