Healthcare Kearney, NE Pop. 33,464

Dental Laboratory Technician Salary in Kearney, Nebraska

The median dental laboratory technician salary in Kearney, NE is $39,440 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$39,440
vs State Avg
$-1,834
vs National
$-6,420
Cost of Living
86%

Dental Laboratory Technician Pay in Kearney: What to Expect (2026)

Kearney offers a median dental laboratory technician salary of $39,440, which is $1,834 below the Nebraska state average of $41,274. Compared to the national median of $45,860, 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 $39,440 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $45,860 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for dental laboratory technicians seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for dental laboratory technicians in Kearney spans from $25,800 at the 10th percentile to $60,200 at the 90th percentile — a $34,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $27,520, while senior dental laboratory technicians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $58,480. Kearney is a smaller market (pop. 33,464), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Dental Laboratory Technician Salary in Kearney by Experience

In Kearney, an entry-level dental laboratory technician earns around $27,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $58,480 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,520
$-4,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$40,420
$-6,580 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$58,480
$-9,520 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kearney, NE

Percentile Kearney
10th Percentile $25,800
25th Percentile $30,960
Median (50th) $39,440
75th Percentile $49,880
90th Percentile $60,200

Dental Laboratory Technician Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

How to Become a Dental Laboratory Technician in Kearney

Education

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

Key Skills

Dental CeramicsCAD/CAMProsthetic DesignAttention to DetailManual DexterityQuality Control

Job Outlook

Nationally, dental laboratory technician 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 Dental Laboratory Technician Jobs in Kearney

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dental Laboratory Technician Salary in Kearney

How much does a Dental Laboratory Technician make in Kearney, NE? ▼
The median dental laboratory technician salary in Kearney, Nebraska is $39,440 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $45,860. Salaries range from $25,800 (10th percentile) to $60,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dental Laboratory Technician make per hour in Kearney? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $39,440, a dental laboratory technician in Kearney earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kearney compare to the Nebraska state average for dental laboratory technician pay? ▼
Kearney's median dental laboratory technician salary of $39,440 is 4.4% below the Nebraska state average of $41,274. 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 laboratory technician salary of $39,440 in Kearney has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dental laboratory technician in Kearney? ▼
Most dental laboratory technician positions in Kearney require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Dental Ceramics, CAD/CAM, Prosthetic Design, Attention to Detail. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.