Science & Research Kearney, NE Pop. 33,464

Environmental Scientist Salary in Kearney, Nebraska

The median environmental scientist salary in Kearney, NE is $65,816 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$65,816
vs State Avg
$-3,061
vs National
$-10,714
Cost of Living
86%

Environmental Scientist Pay in Kearney: What to Expect (2026)

Kearney offers a median environmental scientist salary of $65,816, which is $3,061 below the Nebraska state average of $68,877. Compared to the national median of $76,530, 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 $65,816 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $76,530 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for environmental scientists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for environmental scientists in Kearney spans from $41,280 at the 10th percentile to $108,360 at the 90th percentile — a $67,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $43,000, while senior environmental scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $103,200. Kearney is a smaller market (pop. 33,464), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Environmental Scientist Salary in Kearney by Experience

In Kearney, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $43,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $103,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$43,000
$-7,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$67,080
$-10,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$103,200
$-16,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kearney, NE

Percentile Kearney
10th Percentile $41,280
25th Percentile $50,740
Median (50th) $65,816
75th Percentile $85,140
90th Percentile $108,360

Environmental Scientist Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$71,173
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$70,408
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$68,877
Pop. 291,082
Grand Island, NE
$64,285
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Kearney

Education

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

Key Skills

Environmental SamplingGISData AnalysisEnvironmental LawReport WritingField Research

Job Outlook

Nationally, environmental scientist 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 Environmental Scientist Jobs in Kearney

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Kearney, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Kearney

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Kearney, NE? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Kearney, Nebraska is $65,816 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $76,530. Salaries range from $41,280 (10th percentile) to $108,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Scientist make per hour in Kearney? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $65,816, a environmental scientist in Kearney earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kearney compare to the Nebraska state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
Kearney's median environmental scientist salary of $65,816 is 4.4% below the Nebraska state average of $68,877. 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 environmental scientist salary of $65,816 in Kearney has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Kearney? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in Kearney require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Environmental Sampling, GIS, Data Analysis, Environmental Law. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.