A Nebraska employment contract allows you to establish the terms and conditions of employment. Your employment contract should detail elements such as the employment period, compensation the employee will receive, job responsibilities, any required confidentiality clauses, and how to terminate the employment.
Nebraska follows common law requirements for the factors of a valid employment contract. It must have mutual assent, acceptance, and reasonable consideration. If the employment contract is for less than one year, it doesn’t have to be in writing [1] . Otherwise, it’s a good idea to get the agreement in writing.
- Laws: Chapter 48
- Definition of Employee: NE Code § 48-115 defines an employee as anyone, including minors and aliens, who is in service of an employer and is engaged in any profession, business, trade, or occupation as defined by § 48-106.
By Type
Independent Contractor Agreement
Explains how an independent contractor will provide services to a client.
Subcontractor Agreement
Explains the terms and expectations for a contractor-subcontractor relationship.
Non-Compete Agreement
Allows an employer to set expectations for the confidentiality of company information with an employee.
Hiring in Nebraska
Before creating a Nebraska employment contract, you need to understand the state employment laws and requirements:
At-Will Employment
Nebraska is an at-will employment state. There are also exceptions to the at-will employment rules.
Exceptions
- Public Policy: No
- Implied Contract: Yes
- Good-Faith Exception: No
Minimum Wage ($/hr)
The current minimum wage is $10.50/hour. It will remain this amount through December 31, 2023. Then, the new minimum wage will be $12/hour from January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024 [2] .
Child Labor
For minors under 16, employment certificates are mandatory in Nebraska [3] .
Age certification is not required in Nebraska. However, if an employer requests certification, the employee must provide it to show they’re over the age of 16.
Payday
There are no payday requirements in Nebraska. The employers decide how frequently they pay their employees.
Meals and Rest Breaks
Nebraska does not require minimum paid breaks. However, all employees working in a mechanical establishment, workshop, or assembling plant must receive a 30-minute unpaid lunch break off the work premises for each 8-hour shift [4] .
Recordkeeping Requirements
Nebraska employers must maintain the following records for certain periods:
- Unemployment Insurance: 4 years
- Safety and Health/Workers’ Compensation: 3 years
- Employee records: 4 years
Sample
Download a Nebraska employment contract in PDF or Word format below:
