Public Service Kearney, NE Pop. 33,464

Dispatcher Salary in Kearney, Nebraska

The median dispatcher salary in Kearney, NE is $40,231 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$40,231
vs State Avg
$-1,871
vs National
$-6,549
Cost of Living
86%

Dispatcher Pay in Kearney: What to Expect (2026)

Kearney offers a median dispatcher salary of $40,231, which is $1,871 below the Nebraska state average of $42,102. Compared to the national median of $46,780, 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 $40,231 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $46,780 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for dispatchers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for dispatchers in Kearney spans from $26,660 at the 10th percentile to $60,200 at the 90th percentile — a $33,540 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,380, while senior dispatchers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $56,760. Kearney is a smaller market (pop. 33,464), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Dispatcher Salary in Kearney by Experience

In Kearney, an entry-level dispatcher earns around $28,380, while experienced professionals earn up to $56,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,380
$-4,620 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$41,280
$-6,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$56,760
$-9,240 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kearney, NE

Percentile Kearney
10th Percentile $26,660
25th Percentile $31,820
Median (50th) $40,231
75th Percentile $49,880
90th Percentile $60,200

Dispatcher Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$43,505
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$43,038
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$42,102
Pop. 291,082
Grand Island, NE
$39,295
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Dispatcher in Kearney

Education

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

Key Skills

Radio CommunicationCAD SystemsMulti-taskingStress ManagementGeographyTyping

Job Outlook

Nationally, dispatcher employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Kearney may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dispatcher Jobs in Kearney

Browse open dispatcher positions in Kearney, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Dispatcher Salary in Kearney

How much does a Dispatcher make in Kearney, NE? ▼
The median dispatcher salary in Kearney, Nebraska is $40,231 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $46,780. Salaries range from $26,660 (10th percentile) to $60,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dispatcher make per hour in Kearney? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $40,231, a dispatcher 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 dispatcher pay? ▼
Kearney's median dispatcher salary of $40,231 is 4.4% below the Nebraska state average of $42,102. 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 dispatcher salary of $40,231 in Kearney has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dispatcher in Kearney? ▼
Most dispatcher positions in Kearney require a high school diploma. Key skills include Radio Communication, CAD Systems, Multi-tasking, Stress Management. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.