Healthcare Kearney, NE Pop. 33,464

Dental Hygienist Salary in Kearney, Nebraska

The median dental hygienist salary in Kearney, NE is $70,004 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$70,004
vs State Avg
$-3,256
vs National
$-11,396
Cost of Living
86%

Dental Hygienist Pay in Kearney: What to Expect (2026)

Kearney offers a median dental hygienist salary of $70,004, which is $3,256 below the Nebraska state average of $73,260. Compared to the national median of $81,400, 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 $70,004 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $81,400 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for dental hygienists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for dental hygienists in Kearney spans from $50,052 at the 10th percentile to $93,052 at the 90th percentile — a $43,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $47,300, while senior dental hygienists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $90,300. Kearney is a smaller market (pop. 33,464), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Dental Hygienist Salary in Kearney by Experience

In Kearney, an entry-level dental hygienist earns around $47,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $90,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$47,300
$-7,700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$68,800
$-11,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$90,300
$-14,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kearney, NE

Percentile Kearney
10th Percentile $50,052
25th Percentile $58,136
Median (50th) $70,004
75th Percentile $84,280
90th Percentile $93,052

Dental Hygienist Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$75,702
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$74,888
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$73,260
Pop. 291,082
Grand Island, NE
$68,376
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Kearney

Education

Most dental hygienist positions require a associate's degree. Kearney and the surrounding Nebraska area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Dental CleaningX-ray ImagingPatient EducationPeriodontal AssessmentInfection ControlDental Software

Job Outlook

Nationally, dental hygienist employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Kearney may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dental Hygienist Jobs in Kearney

Browse open dental hygienist positions in Kearney, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Hygienist Salary in Kearney

How much does a Dental Hygienist make in Kearney, NE? ▼
The median dental hygienist salary in Kearney, Nebraska is $70,004 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $81,400. Salaries range from $50,052 (10th percentile) to $93,052 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Hygienist make per hour in Kearney? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $70,004, a dental hygienist 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 dental hygienist pay? ▼
Kearney's median dental hygienist salary of $70,004 is 4.4% below the Nebraska state average of $73,260. 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 dental hygienist salary of $70,004 in Kearney has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dental hygienist in Kearney? ▼
Most dental hygienist positions in Kearney require a associate's degree. Key skills include Dental Cleaning, X-ray Imaging, Patient Education, Periodontal Assessment. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.