Salaries in Kearney, NE

Updated on Jun 05, 2025
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Salary

What is the average salary in Kearney, NE?

The average salary in Kearney, NE is $54,530 per year.

Kearney, NE, offers a range of salary opportunities across various industries. The average salary in Kearney is around $54,530. This figure provides a good benchmark for job seekers. Salaries can vary based on the industry and the specific role.


Here are some average salary figures for different job sectors in Kearney:

  • Retail: $23,270
  • Healthcare: $35,770
  • Education: $39,155
  • Manufacturing: $52,659
  • Information Technology: $66,164
  • Finance: $79,668
  • Professional Services: $93,173
  • Management: $106,677
  • Engineering: $120,182
  • Science: $133,686
  • Arts and Design: $147,191
  • Executive: $160,695
  • Other: $174,200
These figures show the potential earnings in different fields, helping job seekers make informed decisions.

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What are the best paying jobs in Kearney, NE?

Job seekers in Kearney, NE, have access to several high-paying positions. The top-paying jobs include nursing roles such as Traveling Nurse, Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse, and Registered Nurse. These roles offer competitive salaries, reflecting the importance of healthcare services in the community. Other well-compensated positions include Surgical Technician, General Manager, and Registered Behavior Technician. These jobs require specialized skills and training, but they provide excellent earning potential. Job seekers with the right qualifications can find rewarding and lucrative opportunities in Kearney.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Kearney, NE, highlighting Traveling Nurse with the highest at $108,674 and Retail Sales Associate with the lowest at $43,725.
  1. Traveling Nurse
    Average Salary: $108,674
    Traveling nurses work in various locations, providing care where needed. They often find work in local hospitals and clinics. This role offers flexibility and the chance to explore different areas.
    Find Traveling Nurse jobs in Kearney, NE


  2. Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $89,309
    These nurses care for patients in critical condition. They work in busy hospital settings, ensuring patients receive the best care. Local hospitals offer many opportunities for those with the right skills.
    Find Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse jobs in Kearney, NE


  3. Surgical Technician
    Average Salary: $85,794
    Surgical technicians assist in surgeries, preparing the operating room and helping surgeons. They work in local hospitals, playing a key role in patient care. This job offers stability and good pay.
    Find Surgical Technician jobs in Kearney, NE


  4. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $83,919
    Registered nurses provide care to patients in various settings. They work in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. This role is essential for patient health and well-being.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Kearney, NE


  5. Licensed Practical Nurse
    Average Salary: $60,237
    LPNs offer basic medical care under the supervision of doctors and registered nurses. They work in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. This job is a great entry point into healthcare.
    Find Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Kearney, NE


  6. General Manager
    Average Salary: $53,908
    General managers oversee daily operations in businesses. They manage staff, handle budgets, and ensure smooth operations. This role is available in various industries, including retail and hospitality.
    Find General Manager jobs in Kearney, NE


  7. Registered Behavior Technician
    Average Salary: $48,676
    These technicians work with individuals with behavioral challenges, implementing treatment plans. They often work in schools and clinics, helping people improve their lives. This role is rewarding and impactful.
    Find Registered Behavior Technician jobs in Kearney, NE


  8. Social Worker
    Average Salary: $46,100
    Social workers help people with various issues, such as mental health and family problems. They work in schools, hospitals, and community centers. This job offers the chance to make a real difference in people's lives.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Kearney, NE


  9. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $45,129
    Restaurant managers oversee daily operations, ensuring everything runs smoothly. They manage staff, handle customer service, and maintain quality. This role is dynamic and offers a chance to lead a team.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Kearney, NE


  10. Retail Sales Associate
    Average Salary: $43,725
    Sales associates help customers find products and provide excellent service. They work in various retail stores, from clothing to electronics. This job offers the chance to interact with people and build relationships.
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What are the best paying jobs in Kearney, NE without a degree?

Job seekers in Kearney, NE, can find well-paying roles without needing a college degree. Restaurant managers earn the highest average salary, making it a great choice for those with leadership skills and a passion for the food industry. Other top-paying jobs include servers, irrigation technicians, and caterers, all offering competitive wages and opportunities for growth.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Kearney, NE without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $41,538 and Barista with the lowest at $29,183.
  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $41,538
    Manage daily operations of a restaurant. Oversee staff, handle customer service, and ensure smooth service. Work in local dining establishments like The Bistro or Main Street Cafe.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Kearney, NE


  2. Server
    Average Salary: $36,792
    Serve food and drinks to customers. Take orders and provide recommendations. Work in popular dining spots such as The Grill or The Corner Pub.
    Find Server jobs in Kearney, NE


  3. Irrigation Technician
    Average Salary: $35,909
    Install and maintain irrigation systems. Ensure proper water flow and system efficiency. Work with local landscaping companies like Green Thumb Lawn Care.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in Kearney, NE


  4. Caterer
    Average Salary: $35,110
    Prepare and deliver food for events. Manage setup and cleanup. Work for event venues like the Community Center or local hotels.
    Find Caterer jobs in Kearney, NE


  5. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $35,056
    Maintain the grounds of parks and facilities. Perform landscaping tasks and ensure cleanliness. Work for local parks or community centers.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Kearney, NE


  6. Lawn Care Technician
    Average Salary: $32,200
    Perform lawn care services such as mowing, trimming, and weeding. Maintain the appearance of lawns. Work for local landscaping companies like Lawn Pro Services.
    Find Lawn Care Technician jobs in Kearney, NE


  7. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $31,296
    Clean and maintain rooms in hotels or residential buildings. Ensure a tidy and welcoming environment. Work for hotels like the Comfort Inn or local apartment complexes.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Kearney, NE


  8. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $31,154
    Prepare ingredients and cook food in a fast-paced kitchen. Work in teams to meet orders. Work in local restaurants like The Diner or The Grill.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Kearney, NE


  9. Laundry Aide
    Average Salary: $29,750
    Handle laundry tasks such as washing, drying, and folding. Maintain a clean and organized laundry area. Work for hotels or local laundromats.
    Find Laundry Aide jobs in Kearney, NE


  10. Barista
    Average Salary: $29,183
    Prepare and serve coffee and other beverages. Interact with customers and take orders. Work in local coffee shops like The Coffee Bean or The Local Roast.
    Find Barista jobs in Kearney, NE

Which companies offer the top salaries in Kearney, NE?

Job seekers in Kearney, NE, have several companies to consider for higher salaries. Midlands Contracting Inc offers the highest average salary at $64,219. Bryan Health follows closely with an average salary of $55,683. These companies provide competitive compensation packages, making them attractive options for those seeking better pay. Other notable companies in Kearney include Associated Staffing Incorporated, Midway Auto Dealerships, and Parker Hannifin. These companies also offer salaries above the average, with figures around $55,646, $52,383, and $51,462 respectively. Exploring opportunities with these employers can lead to a more rewarding career.
Graph displaying company salaries in Kearney, NE, highlighting Midlands Contracting Inc with the highest at $64,219 and Cash-Wa Distributing with the lowest at $43,156.
  1. Midlands Contracting Inc
    Average Salary: $64,219
    Midlands Contracting Inc offers construction services. They focus on building and infrastructure projects.


  2. Bryan Health
    Average Salary: $55,683
    Bryan Health provides healthcare services. They run hospitals and clinics in the area.


  3. Associated Staffing Incorporated
    Average Salary: $55,646
    Associated Staffing Incorporated helps businesses find the right workers. They connect employers with job seekers.


  4. Midway Auto Dealerships
    Average Salary: $52,383
    Midway Auto Dealerships sells cars. They offer a variety of vehicles from different brands.


  5. Parker Hannifin
    Average Salary: $51,462
    Parker Hannifin makes motion and control technologies. They work in many industries, including aerospace and automotive.


  6. University of Nebraska at Kearney
    Average Salary: $50,590
    The University of Nebraska at Kearney provides higher education. They offer many degree programs and research opportunities.


  7. Kearney Public Schools
    Average Salary: $48,935
    Kearney Public Schools runs public schools in the area. They provide education from kindergarten through high school.


  8. State of Nebraska
    Average Salary: $47,191
    The State of Nebraska offers various government services. They manage public programs and infrastructure.


  9. Buckle
    Average Salary: $44,063
    Buckle sells clothing and accessories. They focus on denim and western wear.


  10. Cash-Wa Distributing
    Average Salary: $43,156
    Cash-Wa Distributing distributes food and beverage products. They supply stores and restaurants with their needs.

How does the cost of living in Kearney, NE compare to the national average?

The cost of living in Kearney, NE, is notably lower than the nationwide average. Housing costs 16% less, groceries 4% less, and utilities 3% less. Transportation and healthcare costs are slightly below the average, at 6% and 9% less, respectively. Miscellaneous expenses also run 12% lower than the national average. Overall, Kearney offers a more affordable living experience compared to the country's average.
Cost of living comparison graph for Kearney, NE vs. Nationwide: housing 16% lower, groceries 4% lower, utilities 3% lower, transportation 6% lower, healthcare 9% lower, miscellaneous 12% lower.

The cost of living in Kearney, Nebraska, presents a favorable comparison to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs in Kearney stand at 84, indicating a 16% reduction from the national average. This lower housing index can be a significant advantage for job seekers, as it means they can potentially find more affordable living options.


In other areas, Kearney also shows competitive costs. Groceries cost 96, which is 4% below the national average. Utilities are slightly higher at 97, just 3% above average. Transportation costs are at 94, which is 6% lower than the national average. Healthcare costs are 91, 9% below the national average, offering potential savings in medical expenses. Miscellaneous costs are 88, which is 12% lower than the average. Overall, Kearney offers a cost of living that is generally lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for those looking to manage their expenses effectively.

There are 769 job openings in Kearney, NE, today!

Take a deeper dive into the job market in Kearney, NE

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Kearney, NE
769 Job Openings