Salaries in Papillion, NE

You might assume Papillion is just a quiet Omaha suburb, but its job market is surprisingly tech-forward. The unemployment rate is a razor-thin 2.4%, and nearly half the population holds a bachelor's degree or higher. It's a small city with a big professional footprint.

Let's talk real dollars. With a cost of living index of 92.5, your paycheck here stretches about 7.5% further than the national average. A median household income of $109,602 feels solid when you realize a one-bedroom apartment rents for just $878 a month. This isn't a place where your salary gets gobbled up by housing. You're buying more peace and square footage for your money, especially compared to coastal hubs.

The economy here leans heavily on skilled trades and healthcare. Offutt Air Force Base is a massive employer, but you'll also find a strong cluster of software firms and accounting practices serving the broader Omaha metro. Registered nurses and electricians do particularly well, with COL-adjusted salaries pushing past $65,000. It’s a market that rewards technical skill and stability.

Here’s my honest take: wages are healthy, but they aren't exploding. The average salary across all roles is $55,724 ($60,242 adjusted), which is comfortable but not lavish. The real winners are professionals in tech or certified trades who can command top dollar without facing a punishing cost of living. For remote workers, this is a financial sweet spot.

The data below breaks down exactly who’s earning what—and how far those dollars actually go in Papillion.