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Retail Manager Salary in Lincoln, NE β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Lincoln's cost of living (index: 87). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Retail Manager Salary in Lincoln β€” Key Numbers

$42,108
Median Salary
$31,390
25th Percentile
$58,133
75th Percentile
$78,474
90th Percentile
National median (Retail Manager)$48,400
vs. National median-13.0%
Lincoln median household income$60,800
vs. City household income-30.7%

Cost of Living in Lincoln

Cost of Living Index
87(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$795/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio22.7%
Annual rent cost$9,540
Median Home Price$235,000
Home Price / Salary5.6Γ—
20% Down Payment$47,000
Years to save (20% rate)5.6 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Lincoln

2.6%
Unemployment Rate
360,000
Metro Population
19 min
Avg Commute
31.8
Median Age

Lincoln has a metro population of 360,000, offering a growing job market with opportunities especially in established local industries. The 2.6% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Retail Manager Salary β€” Other Nebraska Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Retail Manager make in Lincoln, NE?

The estimated median salary for a Retail Manager in Lincoln is $42,108 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $48,400 adjusted by Lincoln's cost of living index (87). The typical salary range runs from $31,390 (25th percentile) to $58,133 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $78,474.

Is Lincoln affordable for a Retail Manager?

On a $42,108 annual salary, a Retail Manager in Lincoln would spend approximately 22.7% of gross monthly income on median rent ($795/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Lincoln relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $235,000 is 5.6Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Retail Manager's salary compare to Lincoln's overall income?

Lincoln's median household income is $60,800. A Retail Manager earning the city-adjusted median of $42,108 earns 30.7% less than the typical Lincoln household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Lincoln has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.