Major Employers and Industries
Omaha might surprise you with the strength and variety of its economy. While the city is famous for being home to Warren Buffett and Berkshire Hathaway, Omaha’s business community reaches far beyond Wall Street. The metro is a hub for finance, healthcare, logistics, agriculture, technology, and insurance — offering plenty of career opportunities across industries. Omaha’s economy is a vibrant blend of sectors that provide a wide range of career opportunities. From finance and healthcare to manufacturing, logistics, technology, and education, the city has a strong base of major employers that keep the community growing.
Key Industries and Major Employers
- Defense and Military Support
Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue is the metro’s largest employer with more than 7,500 military and civilian staff. - Healthcare and Education
CHI Health, Methodist Health System, and Nebraska Medicine (UNMC) are major healthcare providers employing thousands. Together, they anchor Omaha as a leading medical and research hub. - Finance and Insurance
Omaha has a strong reputation in financial services and insurance. Mutual of Omaha, First National Bank of Omaha, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska, and Physicians Mutual are among the top employers in this sector. - Transportation and Logistics
Union Pacific Railroad, headquartered downtown, employs thousands and makes Omaha one of the country’s most important rail hubs. The city’s central location also fuels strong logistics and distribution opportunities. - Manufacturing and Food Processing
ConAgra Brands, Tyson Foods, Kiewit Corporation, and Werner Enterprises each play a large role in Omaha’s economy. - Technology and Innovation
Tech jobs are growing fast in Omaha. Companies such as Buildertrend, Flywheel, Infofree, and PayPal provide opportunities in IT, fintech, cybersecurity, and data services. - Education Institutions
The University of Nebraska at Omaha, Creighton University, and Metropolitan Community College employ thousands while also supplying skilled graduates into the workforce.
Average Salaries by Industry (Omaha Metro Area)
Here’s what job seekers can expect across sectors in Omaha:
- Overall Metro Average: About $63,000 per year (around $30 per hour)
- Management Roles: About $124,000 per year (close to $60 per hour)
- Business and Financial Operations: About $79,000 per year ($38 per hour)
- Computer and Mathematical Occupations: About $98,000 per year ($47 per hour)
- Software Developers: $75,000 to $111,000 per year
- Logistics Specialists: About $51,000 per year ($25 per hour)
- Logistics Analysts: About $78,000 per year
- Equipment Technicians: About $46,500 per year ($22 per hour)
- Light Industrial Workers: About $51,300 per year ($25 per hour)
- Automotive Industry Workers: About $62,000 per year ($30 per hour), with top earners near $99,000
- Master’s Degree Holders: Around $73,000 on average; $91,000 to $119,000 depending on the field
- Median Household Income: About $72,700 per year
Salary Summary Table
| Industry / Role | Avg Salary (Estimate) |
|---|---|
| All Occupations (Metro Avg) | About $63,000 per year ($30/hr) |
| Management | About $124,000 per year ($60/hr) |
| Business & Financial Ops | About $79,000 per year ($38/hr) |
| Computer & Mathematical | About $98,000 per year ($47/hr) |
| Software Developer | $75,000–$111,000 per year |
| Logistics Specialist | About $51,000 per year ($25/hr) |
| Logistics Analyst | About $78,000 per year |
| Equipment Technician | About $46,500 per year ($22/hr) |
| Light Industrial Worker | About $51,300 per year ($25/hr) |
| Automotive Industry | About $62,000 per year ($30/hr), top earners near $99,000 |
| Master’s Degree Holders | Around $73,000 average; $91,000–$119,000 depending on field |
| Median Household Income | About $72,700 per year |
A strong job market means more stability and opportunity. Whether you are a nurse, a software developer, a financial analyst, or a logistics specialist, Omaha offers competitive wages and a cost of living that stretches those dollars farther than most metro areas. For newcomers, that combination makes Omaha not just a great place to live, but also a smart place to build a career.