Business & Finance Kearney, NE Pop. 33,464

Accountant Salary in Kearney, Nebraska

The median accountant salary in Kearney, NE is $70,294 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 4.3% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$70,294
vs State Avg
$-3,196
vs National
$-9,586
Cost of Living
86%

Accountant Pay in Kearney: What to Expect (2026)

Kearney offers a median accountant salary of $70,294, which is $3,196 below the Nebraska state average of $73,490. Compared to the national median of $79,880, Kearney pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Kearney's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $70,294 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $81,737 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for accountants seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for accountants in Kearney spans from $44,352 at the 10th percentile to $116,864 at the 90th percentile — a $72,512 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,760, while senior accountants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $105,600. Kearney is a smaller market (pop. 33,464), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Accountant Salary in Kearney by Experience

In Kearney, an entry-level accountant earns around $45,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $105,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,760
$-6,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$70,400
$-9,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$105,600
$-14,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kearney, NE

Percentile Kearney
10th Percentile $44,352
25th Percentile $55,176
Median (50th) $70,294
75th Percentile $90,112
90th Percentile $116,864

Accountant Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$75,886
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$75,087
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$73,490
Pop. 291,082
Grand Island, NE
$68,697
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Accountant in Kearney

Education

Most accountant positions require a bachelor's degree. Kearney and the surrounding Nebraska area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

GAAPTax PreparationFinancial AnalysisQuickBooksExcelAuditing

Job Outlook

Nationally, accountant employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Kearney may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Accountant Jobs in Kearney

Browse open accountant positions in Kearney, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Accountant Salary in Kearney

How much does a Accountant make in Kearney, NE? ▼
The median accountant salary in Kearney, Nebraska is $70,294 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $79,880. Salaries range from $44,352 (10th percentile) to $116,864 (90th percentile).
How much does a Accountant make per hour in Kearney? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $70,294, a accountant in Kearney earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kearney compare to the Nebraska state average for accountant pay? ▼
Kearney's median accountant salary of $70,294 is 4.3% below the Nebraska state average of $73,490. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Kearney, NE? ▼
Kearney has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a accountant salary of $70,294 in Kearney has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a accountant in Kearney? ▼
Most accountant positions in Kearney require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include GAAP, Tax Preparation, Financial Analysis, QuickBooks. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.