Automotive & Maintenance Kearney, NE Pop. 33,464

Diesel Mechanic Salary in Kearney, Nebraska

The median diesel mechanic salary in Kearney, NE is $47,644 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$47,644
vs State Avg
$-2,216
vs National
$-7,756
Cost of Living
86%

Diesel Mechanic Pay in Kearney: What to Expect (2026)

Kearney offers a median diesel mechanic salary of $47,644, which is $2,216 below the Nebraska state average of $49,860. Compared to the national median of $55,400, 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 $47,644 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $55,400 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for diesel mechanics seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for diesel mechanics in Kearney spans from $30,100 at the 10th percentile to $70,520 at the 90th percentile — a $40,420 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $31,820, while senior diesel mechanics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $67,080. Kearney is a smaller market (pop. 33,464), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Diesel Mechanic Salary in Kearney by Experience

In Kearney, an entry-level diesel mechanic earns around $31,820, while experienced professionals earn up to $67,080 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,820
$-5,180 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$48,160
$-7,840 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$67,080
$-10,920 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kearney, NE

Percentile Kearney
10th Percentile $30,100
25th Percentile $36,980
Median (50th) $47,644
75th Percentile $59,340
90th Percentile $70,520

Diesel Mechanic Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$51,522
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$50,968
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$49,860
Pop. 291,082
Grand Island, NE
$46,536
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Diesel Mechanic in Kearney

Education

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

Key Skills

Diesel EnginesHydraulic SystemsElectrical DiagnosticsPreventive MaintenanceCDL KnowledgeWelding

Job Outlook

Nationally, diesel mechanic 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 Diesel Mechanic Jobs in Kearney

Browse open diesel mechanic positions in Kearney, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Diesel Mechanic Salary in Kearney

How much does a Diesel Mechanic make in Kearney, NE? ▼
The median diesel mechanic salary in Kearney, Nebraska is $47,644 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $55,400. Salaries range from $30,100 (10th percentile) to $70,520 (90th percentile).
How much does a Diesel Mechanic make per hour in Kearney? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $47,644, a diesel mechanic in Kearney earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kearney compare to the Nebraska state average for diesel mechanic pay? ▼
Kearney's median diesel mechanic salary of $47,644 is 4.4% below the Nebraska state average of $49,860. 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 diesel mechanic salary of $47,644 in Kearney has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a diesel mechanic in Kearney? ▼
Most diesel mechanic positions in Kearney require a high school diploma. Key skills include Diesel Engines, Hydraulic Systems, Electrical Diagnostics, Preventive Maintenance. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.