Science & Research Kearney, NE Pop. 33,464

Geologist Salary in Kearney, Nebraska

The median geologist salary in Kearney, NE is $71,965 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$71,965
vs State Avg
$-3,347
vs National
$-11,715
Cost of Living
86%

Geologist Pay in Kearney: What to Expect (2026)

Kearney offers a median geologist salary of $71,965, which is $3,347 below the Nebraska state average of $75,312. Compared to the national median of $83,680, 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 $71,965 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $83,680 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for geologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for geologists in Kearney spans from $43,860 at the 10th percentile to $127,280 at the 90th percentile — a $83,420 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $46,440, while senior geologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $120,400. Kearney is a smaller market (pop. 33,464), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Geologist Salary in Kearney by Experience

In Kearney, an entry-level geologist earns around $46,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $120,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,440
$-7,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$73,100
$-11,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$120,400
$-19,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kearney, NE

Percentile Kearney
10th Percentile $43,860
25th Percentile $54,180
Median (50th) $71,965
75th Percentile $96,320
90th Percentile $127,280

Geologist Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$77,822
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$76,986
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$75,312
Pop. 291,082
Grand Island, NE
$70,291
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Geologist in Kearney

Education

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

Key Skills

Field GeologyGISRock AnalysisStratigraphyEnvironmental AssessmentTechnical Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, geologist employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Kearney may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Geologist Jobs in Kearney

Browse open geologist positions in Kearney, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in Kearney

How much does a Geologist make in Kearney, NE? ▼
The median geologist salary in Kearney, Nebraska is $71,965 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $43,860 (10th percentile) to $127,280 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in Kearney? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $71,965, a geologist in Kearney earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kearney compare to the Nebraska state average for geologist pay? ▼
Kearney's median geologist salary of $71,965 is 4.4% below the Nebraska state average of $75,312. 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 geologist salary of $71,965 in Kearney has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a geologist in Kearney? ▼
Most geologist positions in Kearney require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Field Geology, GIS, Rock Analysis, Stratigraphy. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.