Workforce Vitality
Workforce Vitality measures each state’s relative workforce strengths and areas for improvement. We’ve assessed Workforce Vitality by measuring worker productivity and work ethic — important considerations for current and future employers. All measures and indicators below are based on the three-year average of 2016, 2017 and 2018.
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Work Ethic
Nebraskans’ pride in our work has created a remarkable business community and strong entrepreneurial spirit throughout the state. With a nationally low unemployment rate, top-five workforce participation rate and rich employee diversity, we rank among the nation’s top five states for work ethic. Our diversity has become a target for businesses, as it can offer new perspectives, enhanced innovation and better talent retention.
Minority Participation
The share of working age (16-64 years) racial and ethnic minorities (non-white population) who are in the workforce.
- 92.8% of minorities in Nebraska are in the workforce
- 90.7% of minorities in the United States are in the workforce
Female Participation
The share of working age (16-64 years) females who are in the workforce.
- 96.0% of females in Nebraska are in the workforce
- 93.3% of females in the United States are in the workforce
Male Participation
The share of working age (16-64 years) males who are in the workforce.
- 95.3% of males in Nebraska are in the workforce
- 92.2% of males in the United States are in the workforce
Productivity
In a competitive economy with an increasingly tight labor market, businesses need access to quality workers. Educational attainment and GDP per worker are important indicators of a strong and productive workforce.
Nebraska’s workforce is highly educated, hardworking and dedicated. Everyone from business owners to people looking to jump start their careers will find great opportunity here.
High School Graduates
The share of the population ages 25 and older with at least a high school degree (or equivalent) or higher.
- 90.9% are high school graduates or higher in Nebraska
- 87.3% are high school graduates or higher in the United States
College Graduates
The share of the population ages 25 and older with a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- 30.6 % have a bachelor’s degree or higher in Nebraska
- 30.9 % have a bachelor’s degree or higher in the United States
GDP Per Job
Productivity per worker, measured by the average goods and services (i.e., Gross Domestic Product or, GDP) produced per Job.
- $90,907 in goods and services produced per job in Nebraska
- $99,491 in goods and services produced per job in the United States
Workforce Diversity
The share of the workforce that is racially and/or ethnically diverse.*
- 10.8% of Nebraska’s workforce is diverse
- 26.7% of the United States’ workforce is diverse
*Minority races & ethnicities follow U.S. Census Bureau definitions and include Hispanic, Black, American Indian, Asian, Native Hawaiian, Other Race and Two or more Races.
Economic Strength
Wondering where Nebraska ranks in terms of economic strength? We have your answers! Find out below how we fare when it comes to industry diversity, entrepreneurship and overall economic growth.
Methodology
Get a better understanding of how we gathered our information and determined our rankings.