A little more than two-thirds of Nebraskans feel satisfied with their jobs, but contentment falls among those earning less, a recent survey shows.
The latest Nebraska Snapshot from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Bureau of Sociological Research shows that overall, 28% of Nebraskans are very satisfied with their current jobs and 43% are satisfied. Meanwhile, 29% are dissatisfied, very dissatisfied or neither satisfied nor dissatisfied. The survey questions were part of the most recent Nebraska Annual Social Indicators Survey, which gathered opinions from 2,232 Nebraskans during summer and fall 2024.
Income levels seem to affect job satisfaction among Nebraskans. Of those reporting more than $100,000 or more in yearly income, only 19% reported neither or dissatisfied/very dissatisfied, while 34% reported being very satisfied and 47% being satisfied. Nebraskans on the opposite end of the income spectrum — those making $50,000 or less — were less satisfied, with only 17% reporting being very satisfied and 44% saying they were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied, dissatisfied or very dissatisfied.
“It is surprising that there were no statistically significant demographic contributors to job satisfaction in the variables we looked at, apart from income,” said Amanda Ganshert, co-author of the report and assistant director of research and methods at the Bureau of Sociological Research. “The marginally statistically significant difference in education aligns with income — those with more education tend to make more money and report higher satisfaction with their jobs.”
Those with a bachelor’s degree or higher were slightly more satisfied, with 30% reporting being very satisfied and 49% saying they are satisfied. Twenty-nine percent of Nebraskans with a high school diploma or less reported being very satisfied, with 36% saying they are satisfied.
Additionally, those who are married were slightly more satisfied with their work, with 74% of married adults saying they are very satisfied and satisfied, compared to 65% of unmarried adults.
Nebraskans seem to be less satisfied with their jobs than their peers across the United States. A 2024 Gallup survey showed 46% were completely satisfied and 38% were somewhat satisfied with their jobs, while only 13% were somewhat or completely dissatisfied.
The full July 2025 Nebraska Snapshot, as well as previous snapshot reports, are available on the Bureau of Sociological Research website. The bureau has been conducting survey research since 1964 and conducts surveys via mail, web, telephone, in-person and mixed modes.
