Media & Communications Kearney, NE Pop. 33,464

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Kearney, Nebraska

The median broadcast journalist salary in Kearney, NE is $44,720 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$44,720
vs State Avg
$-2,080
vs National
$-7,280
Cost of Living
86%

Broadcast Journalist Pay in Kearney: What to Expect (2026)

Kearney offers a median broadcast journalist salary of $44,720, which is $2,080 below the Nebraska state average of $46,800. Compared to the national median of $52,000, 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 $44,720 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $52,000 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for broadcast journalists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for broadcast journalists in Kearney spans from $25,800 at the 10th percentile to $86,000 at the 90th percentile — a $60,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,380, while senior broadcast journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $81,700. Kearney is a smaller market (pop. 33,464), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Kearney by Experience

In Kearney, an entry-level broadcast journalist earns around $28,380, while experienced professionals earn up to $81,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,380
$-4,620 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$46,440
$-7,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$81,700
$-13,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kearney, NE

Percentile Kearney
10th Percentile $25,800
25th Percentile $32,680
Median (50th) $44,720
75th Percentile $63,640
90th Percentile $86,000

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$48,360
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$47,840
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$46,800
Pop. 291,082
Grand Island, NE
$43,680
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Broadcast Journalist in Kearney

Education

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

Key Skills

On-Air PresentationInterviewingScript WritingVideo EditingResearchTeleprompter

Job Outlook

Nationally, broadcast journalist employment is projected to grow -4% over the next decade (decline). Demand in Kearney may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Broadcast Journalist Jobs in Kearney

Browse open broadcast journalist positions in Kearney, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Broadcast Journalist Salary in Kearney

How much does a Broadcast Journalist make in Kearney, NE? ▼
The median broadcast journalist salary in Kearney, Nebraska is $44,720 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $52,000. Salaries range from $25,800 (10th percentile) to $86,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Broadcast Journalist make per hour in Kearney? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $44,720, a broadcast journalist in Kearney earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kearney compare to the Nebraska state average for broadcast journalist pay? ▼
Kearney's median broadcast journalist salary of $44,720 is 4.4% below the Nebraska state average of $46,800. 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 broadcast journalist salary of $44,720 in Kearney has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a broadcast journalist in Kearney? ▼
Most broadcast journalist positions in Kearney require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include On-Air Presentation, Interviewing, Script Writing, Video Editing. The job market is projected to grow -4% nationally over the next decade.