Hastings vs Omaha: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Hastings, NE and Omaha, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hastings, NE | Omaha, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $149,236▲ | $137,921 |
| Hourly Rate | $71.75▲ | $66.31 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,557▲ | $80,305 |
| 25th Percentile | $107,450▲ | $99,381 |
| 75th Percentile | $191,022 | $194,951▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $231,316 | $241,669▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 2,010▲ |
Verdict
Hastings and Omaha are closely matched on overall lawyer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Hastings and Omaha is $11,315 (8.20%). Hastings's median is -10.73% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hastings spans $144,759,Omaha spans $161,364. Omaha has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced lawyers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Hastings ($163,099 effective) pays 8.69% more than Omaha ($150,059 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hastings if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($149,236/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $163,099)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Omaha if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($241,669)
- ✓Larger job market (2,010 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Hastings grew 35.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.0% growth in Omaha over the same period.
Hastings, NE
$105,338 (2024) → $142,537 (2025)
Omaha, NE
$108,890 (2019) → $131,730 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hastings, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays lawyers more: Hastings or Omaha?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hastings and Omaha?
Should I relocate from Hastings to Omaha as a lawyer?
What do entry-level lawyers earn in Hastings vs Omaha?
Written by Alexandra Chen, JD
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in corporate law. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Alexandra works at a mid-sized law firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.70% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Alexandra Chen, JD, a licensed lawyer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov