Personal Care & Fitness Kearney, NE Pop. 33,464

Barber Salary in Kearney, Nebraska

The median barber salary in Kearney, NE is $30,736 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$30,736
vs State Avg
$-1,430
vs National
$-5,004
Cost of Living
86%

Barber Pay in Kearney: What to Expect (2026)

Kearney offers a median barber salary of $30,736, which is $1,430 below the Nebraska state average of $32,166. Compared to the national median of $35,740, 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 $30,736 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $35,740 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for barbers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for barbers in Kearney spans from $19,780 at the 10th percentile to $53,320 at the 90th percentile — a $33,540 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $21,500, while senior barbers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $49,880. Kearney is a smaller market (pop. 33,464), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Barber Salary in Kearney by Experience

In Kearney, an entry-level barber earns around $21,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $49,880 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$21,500
$-3,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$31,820
$-5,180 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$49,880
$-8,120 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kearney, NE

Percentile Kearney
10th Percentile $19,780
25th Percentile $24,080
Median (50th) $30,736
75th Percentile $41,280
90th Percentile $53,320

Barber Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$33,238
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$32,881
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$32,166
Pop. 291,082
Grand Island, NE
$30,022
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Barber in Kearney

Education

Most barber positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Kearney and the surrounding Nebraska area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

HaircuttingShavingClient ConsultationSanitationStylingBusiness Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, barber employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Kearney may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Barber Jobs in Kearney

Browse open barber positions in Kearney, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Barber Salary in Kearney

How much does a Barber make in Kearney, NE? ▼
The median barber salary in Kearney, Nebraska is $30,736 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $35,740. Salaries range from $19,780 (10th percentile) to $53,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a Barber make per hour in Kearney? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $30,736, a barber in Kearney earns approximately $15 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kearney compare to the Nebraska state average for barber pay? ▼
Kearney's median barber salary of $30,736 is 4.4% below the Nebraska state average of $32,166. 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 barber salary of $30,736 in Kearney has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a barber in Kearney? ▼
Most barber positions in Kearney require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Haircutting, Shaving, Client Consultation, Sanitation. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.