Correctional Officer Salary in Kearney, NE: $42,665 (2026)

Correctional Officer Pay in Kearney: What to Expect (2026)

Kearney offers a median correctional officer salary of $42,665, which is $1,984 below the Nebraska state average of $44,649. Compared to the national median of $49,610, 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 $42,665 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $49,610 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for correctional officers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for correctional officers in Kearney spans from $28,380 at the 10th percentile to $67,080 at the 90th percentile — a $38,700 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,100, while senior correctional officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $61,920. Kearney is a smaller market (pop. 33,464), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Correctional Officer Salary in Kearney by Experience

In Kearney, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $30,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $61,920 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)

$43,000

$-7,000 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$61,920

$-10,080 vs national

Percentile	Kearney	NE State	National
10th Percentile	$28,380	$29,700	$33,000
25th Percentile	$33,540	$35,100	$39,000
Median (50th)	$42,665	$44,649	$49,610
75th Percentile	$54,180	$56,700	$63,000
90th Percentile	$67,080	$70,200	$78,000

Percentile

Kearney

10th Percentile

$28,380

25th Percentile

$33,540

Median (50th)

$42,665

75th Percentile

$54,180

90th Percentile

$67,080

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Kearney

Education

Most correctional officer positions require a high school diploma. Kearney and the surrounding Nebraska area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SecurityConflict ResolutionReport WritingPhysical FitnessCommunicationCrisis Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, correctional officer employment is projected to grow -2% over the next decade (decline). Demand in Kearney may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Kearney

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Kearney, NE? ▼

The median correctional officer salary in Kearney, Nebraska is $42,665 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $28,380 (10th percentile) to $67,080 (90th percentile).

How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in Kearney? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $42,665, a correctional officer in Kearney earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Kearney compare to the Nebraska state average for correctional officer pay? ▼

Kearney's median correctional officer salary of $42,665 is 4.4% below the Nebraska state average of $44,649. 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 correctional officer salary of $42,665 in Kearney has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in Kearney? ▼

Most correctional officer positions in Kearney require a high school diploma. Key skills include Security, Conflict Resolution, Report Writing, Physical Fitness. The job market is projected to grow -2% nationally over the next decade.

Correctional Officer Salary in Kearney, Nebraska