Personal Care & Fitness Kearney, NE Pop. 33,464

Esthetician Salary in Kearney, Nebraska

The median esthetician salary in Kearney, NE is $32,852 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$32,852
vs State Avg
$-1,528
vs National
$-5,348
Cost of Living
86%

Esthetician Pay in Kearney: What to Expect (2026)

Kearney offers a median esthetician salary of $32,852, which is $1,528 below the Nebraska state average of $34,380. Compared to the national median of $38,200, 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 $32,852 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $38,200 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for estheticians seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for estheticians in Kearney spans from $20,640 at the 10th percentile to $55,900 at the 90th percentile — a $35,260 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $22,360, while senior estheticians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $53,320. Kearney is a smaller market (pop. 33,464), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Esthetician Salary in Kearney by Experience

In Kearney, an entry-level esthetician earns around $22,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $53,320 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$22,360
$-3,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$33,540
$-5,460 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$53,320
$-8,680 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kearney, NE

Percentile Kearney
10th Percentile $20,640
25th Percentile $25,800
Median (50th) $32,852
75th Percentile $44,720
90th Percentile $55,900

Esthetician Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$35,526
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$35,144
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$34,380
Pop. 291,082
Grand Island, NE
$32,088
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Esthetician in Kearney

Education

Most esthetician positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Kearney and the surrounding Nebraska area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SkincareFacial TreatmentsProduct KnowledgeClient ConsultationSanitationAnatomy

Job Outlook

Nationally, esthetician employment is projected to grow 17% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Kearney may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Esthetician Jobs in Kearney

Browse open esthetician positions in Kearney, NE:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Esthetician Salary in Kearney

How much does a Esthetician make in Kearney, NE? ▼
The median esthetician salary in Kearney, Nebraska is $32,852 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $38,200. Salaries range from $20,640 (10th percentile) to $55,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Esthetician make per hour in Kearney? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $32,852, a esthetician in Kearney earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kearney compare to the Nebraska state average for esthetician pay? ▼
Kearney's median esthetician salary of $32,852 is 4.4% below the Nebraska state average of $34,380. 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 esthetician salary of $32,852 in Kearney has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a esthetician in Kearney? ▼
Most esthetician positions in Kearney require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Skincare, Facial Treatments, Product Knowledge, Client Consultation. The job market is projected to grow 17% nationally over the next decade.