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

Omaha, NE
$52,564
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$51,998
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$50,868
Pop. 291,082
Grand Island, NE
$47,477
Pop. 53,131

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.