Nebraska's unemployment rate was 3.0% in April of 2025. That’s one of the lowest in the country. It’s well below the national rate of 4.2%. The labor force is strong and growing. April marked the 4th straight month of record highs. Overall, it's an A+...
Nonfarm jobs rose by nearly 10,000 in April. Over the year, job gains totaled 5,727. However, job openings are cooling. In March, there were 49,000 openings—down 11,000 from February 2024. Layoffs are stable. About 12,000 people were laid off in January, the same as the year before.
Public health is under strain. Governor Jim Pillen has proposed major budget cuts. Nebraska’s 19 public health districts could lose $3.5 million. Even if the legislature restores some funds, cuts will still be deep.
Health officials warn of layoffs. Douglas County could lose $600,000—over a third of its state support. This could impact vaccine programs and STI clinics. Staff may need to be funded through other sources to avoid firings.
Three Rivers Public Health may lose $228,000. That’s 37% of its state funding. Services like community outreach and public health response could shrink.
In transportation, layoffs have hit Lincoln. BNSF Railway cut jobs at its Havelock facility. About two dozen workers, including pipefitters and carmen, were affected. The company cited a need to match staffing with freight demand.
Agriculture is booming. Net farm income is projected to rise 55% in 2025. It could hit $9.42 billion—the highest ever for Nebraska. Government payments will drive much of the increase. Higher livestock sales and crop insurance payouts will also help. This will strengthen rural economies.
Some industries are adding jobs. Leisure and hospitality gained nearly 4,000 jobs in April. Professional and business services added over 2,500. Construction and mining grew by 1,600 jobs. Health and private education added 6,250 jobs over the year.
New laws are coming soon. Paid sick leave accrual starts October 1. Employers must notify workers by mid-September. A ban on non-compete clauses for physicians takes effect in July. These rules may impact how employers hire or manage workers.
Nebraska’s job market is healthy overall. But challenges remain in public health and transportation. Agriculture is helping to offset these pressures. Localized layoffs are possible, but the state’s broader labor picture remains strong.