Trades & Labor Kearney, NE Pop. 33,464

Carpenter Salary in Kearney, Nebraska

The median carpenter salary in Kearney, NE is $44,195 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$44,195
vs State Avg
$-2,056
vs National
$-7,195
Cost of Living
86%

Carpenter Pay in Kearney: What to Expect (2026)

Kearney offers a median carpenter salary of $44,195, which is $2,056 below the Nebraska state average of $46,251. Compared to the national median of $51,390, 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 $44,195 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $51,390 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for carpenters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for carpenters in Kearney spans from $29,584 at the 10th percentile to $70,692 at the 90th percentile — a $41,108 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $27,520, while senior carpenters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $67,080. Kearney is a smaller market (pop. 33,464), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Carpenter Salary in Kearney by Experience

In Kearney, an entry-level carpenter earns around $27,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $67,080 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,520
$-4,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$44,720
$-7,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$67,080
$-10,920 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kearney, NE

Percentile Kearney
10th Percentile $29,584
25th Percentile $35,604
Median (50th) $44,195
75th Percentile $55,900
90th Percentile $70,692

Carpenter Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$47,793
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$47,279
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$46,251
Pop. 291,082
Grand Island, NE
$43,168
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Carpenter in Kearney

Education

Most carpenter positions require a high school diploma. Kearney and the surrounding Nebraska area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

FramingBlueprint ReadingPower ToolsMeasurementBuilding CodeFinish Carpentry

Job Outlook

Nationally, carpenter employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Kearney may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Carpenter Jobs in Kearney

Browse open carpenter positions in Kearney, NE:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Carpenter Salary in Kearney

How much does a Carpenter make in Kearney, NE? ▼
The median carpenter salary in Kearney, Nebraska is $44,195 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $51,390. Salaries range from $29,584 (10th percentile) to $70,692 (90th percentile).
How much does a Carpenter make per hour in Kearney? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $44,195, a carpenter in Kearney earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kearney compare to the Nebraska state average for carpenter pay? ▼
Kearney's median carpenter salary of $44,195 is 4.4% below the Nebraska state average of $46,251. 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 carpenter salary of $44,195 in Kearney has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a carpenter in Kearney? ▼
Most carpenter positions in Kearney require a high school diploma. Key skills include Framing, Blueprint Reading, Power Tools, Measurement. The job market is projected to grow 2% nationally over the next decade.