Creative & Education Kearney, NE Pop. 33,464

College Professor Salary in Kearney, Nebraska

The median college professor salary in Kearney, NE is $72,137 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$72,137
vs State Avg
$-3,355
vs National
$-11,743
Cost of Living
86%

College Professor Pay in Kearney: What to Expect (2026)

Kearney offers a median college professor salary of $72,137, which is $3,355 below the Nebraska state average of $75,492. Compared to the national median of $83,880, 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 $72,137 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $83,880 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for college professors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for college professors in Kearney spans from $38,700 at the 10th percentile to $144,480 at the 90th percentile — a $105,780 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $41,280, while senior college professors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $137,600. Kearney is a smaller market (pop. 33,464), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

College Professor Salary in Kearney by Experience

In Kearney, an entry-level college professor earns around $41,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $137,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$41,280
$-6,720 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$73,960
$-12,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$137,600
$-22,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kearney, NE

Percentile Kearney
10th Percentile $38,700
25th Percentile $51,600
Median (50th) $72,137
75th Percentile $103,200
90th Percentile $144,480

College Professor Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$78,008
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$77,170
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$75,492
Pop. 291,082
Grand Island, NE
$70,459
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a College Professor in Kearney

Education

Most college professor positions require a doctoral degree. Kearney and the surrounding Nebraska area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

TeachingResearchPublishingCurriculum DesignAcademic AdvisingGrant Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, college professor employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Kearney may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find College Professor Jobs in Kearney

Browse open college professor positions in Kearney, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: College Professor Salary in Kearney

How much does a College Professor make in Kearney, NE? ▼
The median college professor salary in Kearney, Nebraska is $72,137 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $83,880. Salaries range from $38,700 (10th percentile) to $144,480 (90th percentile).
How much does a College Professor make per hour in Kearney? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $72,137, a college professor in Kearney earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kearney compare to the Nebraska state average for college professor pay? ▼
Kearney's median college professor salary of $72,137 is 4.4% below the Nebraska state average of $75,492. 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 college professor salary of $72,137 in Kearney has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a college professor in Kearney? ▼
Most college professor positions in Kearney require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Teaching, Research, Publishing, Curriculum Design. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.