Creative & Education Kearney, NE
Pop. 33,464
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.
City Median
$48,607
vs State Avg
$-2,261
vs National
$-7,913
Cost of Living
86%
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.
Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,100
$-4,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$48,160
$-7,840 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$75,680
$-12,320 vs national
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
Culinary ArtsMenu PlanningFood SafetyKitchen ManagementCost ControlCreativity
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:
Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Kearney
How much does a Chef make in Kearney, NE? ▼
The median chef salary in Kearney, Nebraska is $48,607 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $28,552 (10th percentile) to $84,108 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Kearney? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,607, a chef in Kearney earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kearney compare to the Nebraska state average for chef pay? ▼
Kearney's median chef salary of $48,607 is 4.4% below the Nebraska state average of $50,868. 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 chef salary of $48,607 in Kearney has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Kearney? ▼
Most chef positions in Kearney require a high school diploma. Key skills include Culinary Arts, Menu Planning, Food Safety, Kitchen Management. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.