Personal Care & Fitness Kearney, NE Pop. 33,464

Cosmetologist Salary in Kearney, Nebraska

The median cosmetologist salary in Kearney, NE is $30,169 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$30,169
vs State Avg
$-1,403
vs National
$-4,911
Cost of Living
86%

Cosmetologist Pay in Kearney: What to Expect (2026)

Kearney offers a median cosmetologist salary of $30,169, which is $1,403 below the Nebraska state average of $31,572. Compared to the national median of $35,080, 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 $30,169 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $35,080 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for cosmetologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for cosmetologists in Kearney spans from $18,920 at the 10th percentile to $49,880 at the 90th percentile — a $30,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $20,640, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $47,300. Kearney is a smaller market (pop. 33,464), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Cosmetologist Salary in Kearney by Experience

In Kearney, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $20,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $47,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$20,640
$-3,360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$30,960
$-5,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$47,300
$-7,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kearney, NE

Percentile Kearney
10th Percentile $18,920
25th Percentile $23,220
Median (50th) $30,169
75th Percentile $39,560
90th Percentile $49,880

Cosmetologist Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$32,624
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$32,274
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$31,572
Pop. 291,082
Grand Island, NE
$29,467
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Kearney

Education

Most cosmetologist positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Kearney and the surrounding Nebraska area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Hair StylingColor TheorySkincareMakeup ApplicationClient RelationsSanitation

Job Outlook

Nationally, cosmetologist 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 Cosmetologist Jobs in Kearney

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Kearney, NE:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Kearney

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Kearney, NE? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Kearney, Nebraska is $30,169 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $18,920 (10th percentile) to $49,880 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Kearney? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $30,169, a cosmetologist in Kearney earns approximately $15 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kearney compare to the Nebraska state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Kearney's median cosmetologist salary of $30,169 is 4.4% below the Nebraska state average of $31,572. 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 cosmetologist salary of $30,169 in Kearney has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Kearney? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Kearney require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Hair Styling, Color Theory, Skincare, Makeup Application. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.