Healthcare Kearney, NE Pop. 33,464

Dentist Salary in Kearney, Nebraska

The median dentist salary in Kearney, NE is $137,918 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$137,918
vs State Avg
$-6,415
vs National
$-22,452
Cost of Living
86%

Dentist Pay in Kearney: What to Expect (2026)

Kearney offers a median dentist salary of $137,918, which is $6,415 below the Nebraska state average of $144,333. Compared to the national median of $160,370, 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 $137,918 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $160,370 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for dentists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for dentists in Kearney spans from $68,800 at the 10th percentile to $216,720 at the 90th percentile — a $147,920 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $73,100, while senior dentists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $202,100. Kearney is a smaller market (pop. 33,464), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Dentist Salary in Kearney by Experience

In Kearney, an entry-level dentist earns around $73,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $202,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$73,100
$-11,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$139,320
$-22,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$202,100
$-32,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kearney, NE

Percentile Kearney
10th Percentile $68,800
25th Percentile $98,900
Median (50th) $137,918
75th Percentile $178,880
90th Percentile $216,720

Dentist Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$149,144
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$147,540
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$144,333
Pop. 291,082
Grand Island, NE
$134,711
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Dentist in Kearney

Education

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

Key Skills

Dental ProceduresRadiographyPatient ManagementOral SurgeryProsthodonticsAnesthesia

Job Outlook

Nationally, dentist employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Kearney may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dentist Jobs in Kearney

Browse open dentist positions in Kearney, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dentist Salary in Kearney

How much does a Dentist make in Kearney, NE? ▼
The median dentist salary in Kearney, Nebraska is $137,918 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $160,370. Salaries range from $68,800 (10th percentile) to $216,720 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dentist make per hour in Kearney? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $137,918, a dentist in Kearney earns approximately $66 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kearney compare to the Nebraska state average for dentist pay? ▼
Kearney's median dentist salary of $137,918 is 4.4% below the Nebraska state average of $144,333. 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 dentist salary of $137,918 in Kearney has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dentist in Kearney? ▼
Most dentist positions in Kearney require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Dental Procedures, Radiography, Patient Management, Oral Surgery. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.