The $100,000 Salary Analysis for Hastings, NE

This analysis strips away the hype. We look at the raw math of a $100,000 salary in Hastings, Nebraska. We focus on Purchasing Power—what you can actually buy—not the headline number.

1. The Verification Test (Nominal vs. Net)

Your gross salary is $100,000. Before you spend a dime, the government takes its share.

• Gross Salary: $100,000
• Federal Tax (Est.): $14,200 (Based on Single Filer standard deduction + marginal brackets).
• FICA (SS/Medicare): $7,650
• Nebraska State Tax: $5,300 (Est. based on ~4.95% marginal rate + local city taxes common in Hastings).
• Total Deductions: $27,150
• Estimated Net Pay: $72,850 / year
• Monthly Take-Home: $6,070

Result: You are losing 27% of your income to taxes immediately.

2. Smart Budget (50/30/20 Rule)

Using the $6,070 monthly take-home pay:

Needs (50% - $3,035)

• Rent (1BR): $650 - $750 (Market average for decent units).
• Utilities: $150 - $200 (Electric/Heating fluctuates heavily in NE winters).
• Groceries: $400
• Car Payment/Gas: $600
• Buffer: ~$1,000 (Remains for insurance or debt).

Wants (30% - $1,821)

• This is your discretionary spending. Dining out, entertainment, travel.
• In Hastings, $1,800 goes a very long way. You likely won't spend this full amount locally unless you travel frequently.

Savings (20% - $1,214)

• This is your wealth builder. $1,214/month is a solid savings rate.
• Note: If you are used to high-cost areas, this savings rate is likely higher than you could achieve there, despite the lower nominal salary.

3. Hastings Tax Context

Nebraska is not a tax-friendly state. It sits on the higher end of the spectrum.

• Vs. Texas/Florida: You are paying roughly $5,000 - $7,000 more in state/local income taxes annually than you would in a no-income-tax state. Your take-home in Austin or Tampa on $100k would be roughly $78k - $79k.
• Vs. California/NY: You are saving significantly. CA/NY would take an additional $8,000 - $12,000 out of your paycheck.
• The Verdict: Nebraska taxes are "middle of the road" to high. You pay for the privilege of living here, but the low cost of living offsets the tax burden significantly.

4. FAQ

"Is $100k good here?"
Yes. It is a high earner status for Hastings. You are well above the median household income. You will live comfortably, likely without roommates, and can afford a mortgage on a decent home.

"Local income tax?"
Yes. Hastings has a local occupation tax. It is generally low (often capped at $10/month or $120/year for most employees), but it is a factor that states like Texas or Florida do not have.

"Purchasing Power vs. Nominal?"
If you move from a high-cost coastal city earning $150k to Hastings earning $100k, your Purchasing Power likely increases. Your rent drops by 60%, and your take-home only drops by roughly 30%.