Chef Salary in Kearney, Nebraska
The median chef salary in Kearney, NE is $48,607 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Nebraska state average.
Chef Pay in Kearney: What to Expect (2026)
Kearney offers a median chef salary of $48,607, which is $2,261 below the Nebraska state average of $50,868. Compared to the national median of $56,520, 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 $48,607 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $56,520 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for chefs seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for chefs in Kearney spans from $28,552 at the 10th percentile to $84,108 at the 90th percentile — a $55,556 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,100, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $75,680. Kearney is a smaller market (pop. 33,464), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Chef Salary in Kearney by Experience
In Kearney, an entry-level chef earns around $30,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $75,680 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Kearney, NE
| Percentile | Kearney |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $28,552 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,292 |
| Median (50th) | $48,607 |
| 75th Percentile | $64,500 |
| 90th Percentile | $84,108 |
Chef Salary in Other Nebraska Cities
How to Become a Chef in Kearney
Education
Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Kearney and the surrounding Nebraska area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, chef employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Kearney may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Chef Jobs in Kearney
Browse open chef positions in Kearney, NE: