Nebraska Firefighter Salary (2026) – City Breakdown, Overtime & Real Take-Home
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Nebraska firefighter compensation varies by department, schedule, overtime policy, and benefits. This guide breaks down what Nebraska firefighters actually earn — from entry-level pay to top-step with overtime — and what shapes take-home pay across the state's major departments.
Based on BLS Occupational Employment Statistics and department pay scales (BLS mean: $54,170):
Level
Annual Base Pay
Entry-level (probation / step 1)
$42,000–$54,000
Mid-career (5–10 years)
$56,000–$70,000
Top-step Firefighter
$64,000–$80,000
With overtime (realistic)
$74,000–$96,000
Engineer / Driver-Operator
$70,000–$86,000
Captain
$82,000–$104,000
Source: BLS OES May 2023, department HR postings, union contracts. Numbers reflect base pay; total compensation with OT and benefits is higher.
City-by-City Breakdown
Department
Typical Range
Notes
Omaha Fire Department
$52,000–$84,000
Largest department in Nebraska. Strong IAFF Local 385 contract. Best compensation in the state.
Lincoln Fire & Rescue
$50,000–$78,000
State capital; University of Nebraska city, growing metro.
Bellevue Fire Department
$48,000–$74,000
Omaha suburb; Offutt AFB proximity — federal contract work available.
Overtime and Premium Pay
Omaha has the most consistent OT in Nebraska. Tornado season and major weather events create demand spikes statewide.
Use the Salary Comparison Tool to model different overtime assumptions before comparing departments.
Retirement and Pension
Nebraska Public Employees Retirement Systems (NPERS) for most departments. Omaha has a locally-administered fire/police pension. Defined-benefit for career firefighters.
Cost of Living — What Your Salary Actually Buys
Nebraska is very affordable. Omaha is consistently ranked among the most affordable large cities in the U.S. Housing, utilities, and groceries are all below national average.
NE Firefighter Career Outlook
Solid career option with good purchasing power. Omaha offers the best combination of pay and opportunity. Low cost of living makes the compensation go further than the nominal numbers suggest.
How to Compare Two Nebraska Departments
Match the same rank and step (entry vs. 5-year vs. top step).
Confirm the schedule type and how overtime is calculated under your contract.
Get the actual pension contribution rate — not just the benefit formula.
Ask for healthcare premium costs for your coverage tier.
Subtract deductions, then compare take-home against housing costs in that specific city.
Add conservative overtime — use low-end estimates, not maximum scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average firefighter salary in Nebraska?
The BLS mean wage for firefighters in Nebraska is $54,170. Career firefighters typically earn $56,000–$70,000 in base pay depending on rank, step, and department. With realistic overtime, total compensation ranges from $74,000–$96,000.
Do Nebraska firefighters get a pension?
Nebraska Public Employees Retirement Systems (NPERS) for most departments. Omaha has a locally-administered fire/police pension. Defined-benefit for career firefighters.
Is Nebraska a good state for a firefighter career?
Solid career option with good purchasing power. Omaha offers the best combination of pay and opportunity. Low cost of living makes the compensation go further than the nominal numbers suggest.
