Overview Salaries

Salaries in Kearney, NE

Updated on Jun 10, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Kearney, NE?

The average salary in Kearney, NE is $54,224 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Kearney, NE, showing an average salary of $54,224 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Kearney, NE, showing an average salary of $4,519 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Kearney, NE, showing an average salary of $1,043 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Kearney, NE, showing an average salary of $26 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Kearney, NE offers a variety of job opportunities across different sectors. The average yearly salary for jobs in Kearney stands at $54,224. This average provides a good overview of what many professionals in the area can expect to earn.

Here are some of the top industries and their average salaries:

  • Healthcare: $65,186
  • Retail: $28,000
  • Education: $40,395
  • Manufacturing: $52,791
  • Transportation: $77,582
Kearney provides a good mix of higher and lower-paying jobs, making it suitable for different skill levels and career stages.

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What are the best paying jobs in Kearney, NE?

In Kearney, NE, several high-paying jobs provide good opportunities for professionals. Traveling nurses earn an average of over $110,000. Intensive care and general registered nurses also make strong salaries, with figures around $93,000 and $89,000 respectively. Surgical technicians and licensed practical nurses can expect to earn over $85,000, providing stability and good compensation. Beyond healthcare, Kearney offers well-paid roles in management and technical fields. General managers, for example, earn over $50,000. Maintenance technicians and machine operators also see good earnings, with salaries around $47,000 and $45,000 respectively. Social workers and phlebotomists, though not the highest-paying, still provide competitive wages, averaging around $46,000. These jobs reflect a range of opportunities for job seekers looking for a balance of good pay and job satisfaction in Kearney.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Kearney, NE, highlighting Traveling Nurse with the highest at $110,879 and Phlebotomist with the lowest at $43,709.

  1. Traveling Nurse
    Average Salary: $110,879
    These professionals help patients in various locations. They work for healthcare facilities, travel agencies, and staffing firms. The job lets them see different areas and experience new challenges.
    Find Traveling Nurse jobs in Kearney, NE


  2. Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $93,292
    They care for patients with serious health issues. These nurses work in hospitals. They manage patients' conditions and treatments. Their skills are crucial for patient recovery.
    Find Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse jobs in Kearney, NE


  3. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $88,623
    They provide patient care in various settings. These nurses work in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. They work with doctors and other healthcare staff to ensure good patient outcomes.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Kearney, NE


  4. Surgical Technician
    Average Salary: $86,695
    These professionals help surgeons during operations. They work in hospitals and surgical centers. Their role is key in ensuring a smooth surgery. Their attention to detail is important.
    Find Surgical Technician jobs in Kearney, NE


  5. Licensed Practical Nurse
    Average Salary: $61,120
    They care for patients under the direction of doctors and registered nurses. They work in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. Their work is vital for patient health and well-being.
    Find Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Kearney, NE


  6. General Manager
    Average Salary: $52,354
    They oversee the daily operations of businesses. They work for various companies like restaurants, retail stores, and hotels. Their leadership skills are essential for running a successful business.
    Find General Manager jobs in Kearney, NE


  7. Maintenance Technician
    Average Salary: $46,954
    They fix and maintain equipment in various settings. They work for companies, schools, and hospitals. Their skills in problem-solving and repair are key to keeping operations running smoothly.
    Find Maintenance Technician jobs in Kearney, NE


  8. Social Worker
    Average Salary: $45,581
    They help people with social and personal issues. They work for government agencies, schools, and healthcare facilities. Their empathy and skills in counseling are important for helping others.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Kearney, NE


  9. Machine Operator
    Average Salary: $45,307
    They run and monitor machines in factories. They work for manufacturing companies. Their attention to detail and skill in operating machinery are essential for production.
    Find Machine Operator jobs in Kearney, NE


  10. Phlebotomist
    Average Salary: $43,709
    They draw blood for tests and donations. They work in hospitals, clinics, and labs. Their skill in handling patients and equipment is important for accurate results.
    Find Phlebotomist jobs in Kearney, NE

What are the best paying jobs in Kearney, NE without a degree?

Explore top-paying jobs in Kearney, NE, that do not require a college degree. With the right skills and experience, professionals can earn a good salary in fields such as restaurant management and lawn care. These positions offer a chance to build a rewarding career without the need for higher education. Earn a competitive salary with roles like restaurant manager, where you can oversee daily operations and make about $40,091 per year. Another option is irrigation technician, where experience with irrigation systems leads to an average salary of $36,313. Jobs such as groundskeeper, server, and lawn care technician also provide solid pay and opportunities to grow in a dynamic work environment.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Kearney, NE without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $40,091 and Dishwasher with the lowest at $29,465.

  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $40,091
    This role involves overseeing daily restaurant operations. It includes managing staff, ensuring customer satisfaction, and handling finances. Local establishments provide excellent learning opportunities and growth potential.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Kearney, NE


  2. Irrigation Technician
    Average Salary: $36,313
    Individuals in this role install, repair, and maintain irrigation systems. This position works with landscaping companies and farms. It is ideal for those who enjoy working outdoors and solving practical problems.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in Kearney, NE


  3. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $35,624
    This position involves maintaining the landscaping and grounds of properties. Tasks include mowing lawns, trimming hedges, and planting flowers. It is suitable for those who enjoy outdoor work and maintaining beautiful spaces.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Kearney, NE


  4. Server
    Average Salary: $35,466
    Servers handle guests in dining areas, taking orders, and serving food and beverages. This job provides opportunities to interact with customers and work in a fast-paced environment. Local restaurants offer a chance to gain valuable service skills.
    Find Server jobs in Kearney, NE


  5. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $33,557
    This role includes cleaning and maintaining guest rooms, common areas, and facilities. It requires attention to detail and a friendly attitude. Local hotels and motels provide a stable environment for this position.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Kearney, NE


  6. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $32,417
    Line cooks prepare ingredients, cook food, and ensure the kitchen runs smoothly. They work under pressure and must follow recipes accurately. This job is perfect for those who love cooking and working in a busy kitchen.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Kearney, NE


  7. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $31,294
    Server assistants help in restaurants by setting tables, clearing dishes, and supporting servers. It is a great entry-level job for those interested in the food service industry. Local eateries provide hands-on experience.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Kearney, NE


  8. Lawn Care Technician
    Average Salary: $30,591
    This role involves mowing, edging, and maintaining lawns. It also includes planting, mulching, and trimming. It is ideal for those who enjoy outdoor work and helping maintain beautiful landscapes.
    Find Lawn Care Technician jobs in Kearney, NE


  9. Barista
    Average Salary: $29,788
    Baristas prepare coffee drinks and other beverages. They interact with customers and work in a dynamic environment. This job is perfect for those who love coffee and enjoy providing excellent customer service.
    Find Barista jobs in Kearney, NE


  10. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $29,465
    Dishwasher roles involve cleaning dishes, utensils, and equipment. They ensure the kitchen is clean and ready for service. This job is suitable for those who enjoy working in a busy kitchen and want a steady position.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Kearney, NE

Which companies offer the top salaries in Kearney, NE?

Job seekers in Kearney, NE, can find competitive salaries at several top employers. CommonSpirit Health leads with an average salary of $123,254, making it the best-paying company in the area. Other notable companies include Medical Solutions and Mosaic, offering average salaries of $85,307 and $64,004 respectively, providing diverse opportunities for professionals. These companies offer a range of benefits and career growth options. Medical Solutions, for example, is a staffing company with a strong reputation, while Mosaic focuses on agriculture and energy sectors. Other companies, such as Bryan Health and Parker Hannifin, also provide solid compensation packages, making Kearney a favorable location for those seeking high-paying jobs.
Graph displaying company salaries in Kearney, NE, highlighting CommonSpirit Health with the highest at $123,254 and Kearney Public Schools with the lowest at $48,497.

  1. CommonSpirit Health
    Average Salary: $123,254
    CommonSpirit Health is a large healthcare system. They offer many jobs in healthcare. Their workers often get good benefits and opportunities to grow.


  2. Medical Solutions
    Average Salary: $85,307
    Medical Solutions helps connect healthcare workers with jobs. They offer good pay and benefits. Many people find their jobs helpful for their careers.


  3. Mosaic
    Average Salary: $64,004
    Mosaic is a company that creates fertilizer. They have many jobs for people in different roles. Their workers often enjoy good pay and job security.


  4. BluePrint Engines
    Average Salary: $56,834
    BluePrint Engines makes airplane engines. They offer jobs in manufacturing and engineering. Their workers enjoy good pay and benefits.


  5. Bryan Health
    Average Salary: $56,662
    Bryan Health is a healthcare provider. They offer many jobs in healthcare. Their workers often get good benefits and opportunities to grow.


  6. Associated Staffing Incorporated
    Average Salary: $56,206
    Associated Staffing Incorporated connects people with jobs in many industries. They offer good pay and benefits. Many people find their jobs helpful for their careers.


  7. University of Nebraska
    Average Salary: $56,045
    The University of Nebraska offers many jobs. They have roles in education, research, and administration. Their workers often enjoy good benefits and a positive work environment.


  8. Parker Hannifin
    Average Salary: $53,842
    Parker Hannifin makes parts for vehicles and other machines. They have many jobs in manufacturing and engineering. Their workers often enjoy good pay and benefits.


  9. University of Nebraska at Kearney
    Average Salary: $53,698
    The University of Nebraska at Kearney offers many jobs. They have roles in education, research, and administration. Their workers often enjoy good benefits and a positive work environment.


  10. Kearney Public Schools
    Average Salary: $48,497
    Kearney Public Schools offers jobs in education. They have roles for teachers, administrators, and support staff. Their workers often enjoy good benefits and a positive work environment.

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

The cost of living in Kearney, NE, presents a favorable profile compared to the nationwide average, which is indexed at 100. Notably, Kearney's housing costs stand at 80, making living expenses in this area 20% lower than the national average. Additionally, the overall cost of living, which includes groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses, averages at 89 in Kearney, which is 11% below the national benchmark. This suggests that residents in Kearney can expect to save significantly on their living expenses, especially in housing, while still enjoying a quality of life comparable to the national standard. The relatively lower cost of living can make Kearney an attractive option for job seekers looking to enhance their purchasing power.
Cost of living comparison graph for Kearney, NE vs. Nationwide: housing 20% lower, groceries 8% lower, utilities 5% lower, transportation 10% lower, healthcare 15% lower, miscellaneous 12% lower.

The cost of living in Kearney, NE, reflects a pattern of expenses below the nationwide average. Housing, a significant expense, has a cost of living index of 80. This indicates that housing costs in Kearney are 20% lower than the national average, making it a more affordable option for job seekers. Additionally, utilities in Kearney stand at an index of 95, suggesting they are slightly lower than the nationwide average.


Kearney also presents lower costs in groceries and healthcare. Groceries have an index of 92, which is 8% below the national average. This means residents can expect to spend less on food items. Healthcare costs are indexed at 85, indicating a 15% reduction in expenses compared to the national average. This offers a financial benefit for those considering a move to Kearney. Overall, the cost of living index shows Kearney offers a favorable economic environment for professionals.

There are 418 job openings in Kearney, NE, today!

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Kearney, NE
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