Application Fee
See agencyVerified 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 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Registered Nurse in Nebraska
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Varies by state board
- Examination: State-approved exam
- Application Fee: See agency
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Nebraska Dept. of Health & Human Services • Public Health Division, Licensure Unit, Office of Nursing • Public Health Division, Licensure Unit, Office of Nursing
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$81,020 median (13% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#36 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
- 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
- 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
- 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.
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 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$81,020Hourly estimate
$38.9513% below national median
Difference: -$12,580
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationRegistered Nurse Salary Ranking
#36 of 50 statesfor Registered Nurse median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | 140,330 |
| #2 | Hawaii | 136,320 |
| #3 | Oregon | 123,990 |
| #4 | Washington | 112,180 |
| #5 | Alaska | 110,690 |
Nearby States Comparison
Registered Nurse licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nebraska | $81,020 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| South Dakota | $69,510 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Iowa | $76,960 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Missouri | $79,770 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Kansas | $78,060 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Colorado | $96,520 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Wyoming | $81,790 | Varies by state board | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nebraska | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| South Dakota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Iowa | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Missouri | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kansas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Colorado | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
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
Related Careers in Nebraska
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | $85,820 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| Chiropractor | $69,420 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| Clinical Lab Technologist | $62,430 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| Dental Assistant | $46,660 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Registered Nurse in Nebraska?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, 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. License status indicator: Active. 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.