Jobs & Economy in Lincoln
Detailed jobs & economy data — sourced from authoritative datasets and normalized for direct comparison.
Jobs & Economy in Lincoln, Canterbury
Lincoln boasts a diverse economy with a stable economic climate, benefiting from its role as a nexus for state government and higher education. Major employers include the State of Nebraska, Lincoln Public Schools, and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Healthcare is another significant industry, with the city's three largest hospitals employing thousands. Manufacturing also plays a role, with companies like Kawasaki, Burlington Northern Railroad, and Duncan Aviation providing jobs for over 5,000 community members. The city also has a burgeoning startup scene. Nebraska's economy is expected to expand modestly in 2024 and 2025, with job growth concentrated in services (including business services, healthcare, and leisure and hospitality), construction, and nondurable goods manufacturing. The unemployment rate in Lincoln was 2.6% in May 2026, which was lower than the national average.
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About Lincoln, Canterbury
Lincoln, Nebraska, the state capital and second-largest city, is home to over 300,000 residents and spans approximately 104 square miles. Situated between Chicago and Denver, it serves as a hub for governmental and educational institutions, including the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, which enrolls 24,000 students. The city's history dates back thousands of years, with American Indian tribes inhabiting the area along Salt Creek before westward settlers were drawn to the abundant salt deposits. Lincoln is recognized for its thriving economy, numerous amenities, and affordability, earning it a reputation as a desirable place to live. The city has experienced a consistent population growth rate of 1% to 1.5% over the last 50 years.
About Canterbury
Canterbury, New Zealand, is the largest region on the South Island, characterized by diverse landscapes ranging from the vast Canterbury Plains to the Southern Alps. Its economy is robust, heavily reliant on agriculture (particularly dairy and meat production), with significant contributions from construction, tourism, education, retail, and scientific and technical services. Living in Canterbury generally offers a balanced lifestyle with access to both urban amenities in Christchurch and extensive outdoor activities like skiing, surfing, hiking, and fishing. The climate is temperate oceanic, though it varies across the region, with average temperatures between 6°C in winter and 18°C in summer, and Christchurch being one of New Zealand's drier main centers. While the cost of living is considered more manageable than some other major New Zealand cities, a single person's monthly expenses with rent are around $1,738, with housing accounting for a notable portion of the average salary.