Science & Research Kearney, NE Pop. 33,464

Chemist Salary in Kearney, Nebraska

The median chemist salary in Kearney, NE is $71,199 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$71,199
vs State Avg
$-3,312
vs National
$-11,591
Cost of Living
86%

Chemist Pay in Kearney: What to Expect (2026)

Kearney offers a median chemist salary of $71,199, which is $3,312 below the Nebraska state average of $74,511. Compared to the national median of $82,790, 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 $71,199 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $82,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for chemists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for chemists in Kearney spans from $41,280 at the 10th percentile to $122,120 at the 90th percentile — a $80,840 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $43,000, while senior chemists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $116,100. Kearney is a smaller market (pop. 33,464), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Chemist Salary in Kearney by Experience

In Kearney, an entry-level chemist earns around $43,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $116,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$43,000
$-7,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$72,240
$-11,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$116,100
$-18,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kearney, NE

Percentile Kearney
10th Percentile $41,280
25th Percentile $53,320
Median (50th) $71,199
75th Percentile $93,740
90th Percentile $122,120

Chemist Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$76,995
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$76,167
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$74,511
Pop. 291,082
Grand Island, NE
$69,544
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Chemist in Kearney

Education

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

Key Skills

Analytical ChemistryLab TechniquesSpectroscopyHPLCQuality ControlResearch Methods

Job Outlook

Nationally, chemist 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 Chemist Jobs in Kearney

Browse open chemist positions in Kearney, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Kearney

How much does a Chemist make in Kearney, NE? ▼
The median chemist salary in Kearney, Nebraska is $71,199 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $41,280 (10th percentile) to $122,120 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Kearney? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $71,199, a chemist in Kearney earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kearney compare to the Nebraska state average for chemist pay? ▼
Kearney's median chemist salary of $71,199 is 4.4% below the Nebraska state average of $74,511. 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 chemist salary of $71,199 in Kearney has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Kearney? ▼
Most chemist positions in Kearney require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Analytical Chemistry, Lab Techniques, Spectroscopy, HPLC. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.