Public Service Kearney, NE Pop. 33,464

Firefighter Salary in Kearney, Nebraska

The median firefighter salary in Kearney, NE is $44,445 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$44,445
vs State Avg
$-2,067
vs National
$-7,235
Cost of Living
86%

Firefighter Pay in Kearney: What to Expect (2026)

Kearney offers a median firefighter salary of $44,445, which is $2,067 below the Nebraska state average of $46,512. Compared to the national median of $51,680, 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 $44,445 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $51,680 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for firefighters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for firefighters in Kearney spans from $25,456 at the 10th percentile to $79,808 at the 90th percentile — a $54,352 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $27,520, while senior firefighters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $70,520. Kearney is a smaller market (pop. 33,464), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Firefighter Salary in Kearney by Experience

In Kearney, an entry-level firefighter earns around $27,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $70,520 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,520
$-4,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$44,720
$-7,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$70,520
$-11,480 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kearney, NE

Percentile Kearney
10th Percentile $25,456
25th Percentile $33,196
Median (50th) $44,445
75th Percentile $61,232
90th Percentile $79,808

Firefighter Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$48,062
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$47,546
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$46,512
Pop. 291,082
Grand Island, NE
$43,411
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Firefighter in Kearney

Education

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

Key Skills

FirefightingEmergency MedicalHazmatPhysical FitnessTeamworkEquipment Operation

Job Outlook

Nationally, firefighter employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Kearney may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Firefighter Jobs in Kearney

Browse open firefighter positions in Kearney, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Kearney

How much does a Firefighter make in Kearney, NE? ▼
The median firefighter salary in Kearney, Nebraska is $44,445 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $25,456 (10th percentile) to $79,808 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in Kearney? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $44,445, a firefighter in Kearney earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kearney compare to the Nebraska state average for firefighter pay? ▼
Kearney's median firefighter salary of $44,445 is 4.4% below the Nebraska state average of $46,512. 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 firefighter salary of $44,445 in Kearney has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in Kearney? ▼
Most firefighter positions in Kearney require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Firefighting, Emergency Medical, Hazmat, Physical Fitness. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.