Healthcare Kearney, NE Pop. 33,464

Dietitian Salary in Kearney, Nebraska

The median dietitian salary in Kearney, NE is $57,147 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$57,147
vs State Avg
$-2,658
vs National
$-9,303
Cost of Living
86%

Dietitian Pay in Kearney: What to Expect (2026)

Kearney offers a median dietitian salary of $57,147, which is $2,658 below the Nebraska state average of $59,805. Compared to the national median of $66,450, 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 $57,147 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $66,450 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for dietitians seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for dietitians in Kearney spans from $36,120 at the 10th percentile to $85,140 at the 90th percentile — a $49,020 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,700, while senior dietitians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $81,700. Kearney is a smaller market (pop. 33,464), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Dietitian Salary in Kearney by Experience

In Kearney, an entry-level dietitian earns around $38,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $81,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,700
$-6,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$58,480
$-9,520 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$81,700
$-13,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kearney, NE

Percentile Kearney
10th Percentile $36,120
25th Percentile $45,580
Median (50th) $57,147
75th Percentile $71,380
90th Percentile $85,140

Dietitian Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$61,799
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$61,134
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$59,805
Pop. 291,082
Grand Island, NE
$55,818
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Dietitian in Kearney

Education

Most dietitian positions require a bachelor's degree. Kearney and the surrounding Nebraska area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Medical Nutrition TherapyMeal PlanningPatient CounselingFood ScienceClinical NutritionDocumentation

Job Outlook

Nationally, dietitian 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 Dietitian Jobs in Kearney

Browse open dietitian positions in Kearney, NE:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dietitian Salary in Kearney

How much does a Dietitian make in Kearney, NE? ▼
The median dietitian salary in Kearney, Nebraska is $57,147 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $66,450. Salaries range from $36,120 (10th percentile) to $85,140 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dietitian make per hour in Kearney? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $57,147, a dietitian in Kearney earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kearney compare to the Nebraska state average for dietitian pay? ▼
Kearney's median dietitian salary of $57,147 is 4.4% below the Nebraska state average of $59,805. 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 dietitian salary of $57,147 in Kearney has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dietitian in Kearney? ▼
Most dietitian positions in Kearney require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Medical Nutrition Therapy, Meal Planning, Patient Counseling, Food Science. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.