Creative & Education Kearney, NE Pop. 33,464

Graphic Designer Salary in Kearney, Nebraska

The median graphic designer salary in Kearney, NE is $49,871 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$49,871
vs State Avg
$-2,320
vs National
$-8,119
Cost of Living
86%

Graphic Designer Pay in Kearney: What to Expect (2026)

Kearney offers a median graphic designer salary of $49,871, which is $2,320 below the Nebraska state average of $52,191. Compared to the national median of $57,990, 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 $49,871 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $57,990 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for graphic designers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for graphic designers in Kearney spans from $31,304 at the 10th percentile to $84,452 at the 90th percentile — a $53,148 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,680, while senior graphic designers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $75,680. Kearney is a smaller market (pop. 33,464), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Graphic Designer Salary in Kearney by Experience

In Kearney, an entry-level graphic designer earns around $32,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $75,680 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,680
$-5,320 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,880
$-8,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$75,680
$-12,320 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kearney, NE

Percentile Kearney
10th Percentile $31,304
25th Percentile $39,044
Median (50th) $49,871
75th Percentile $64,156
90th Percentile $84,452

Graphic Designer Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$53,931
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$53,351
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$52,191
Pop. 291,082
Grand Island, NE
$48,712
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Graphic Designer in Kearney

Education

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

Key Skills

Adobe Creative SuiteTypographyLayout DesignColor TheoryBrandingUI Design

Job Outlook

Nationally, graphic designer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Kearney may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Graphic Designer Jobs in Kearney

Browse open graphic designer positions in Kearney, NE:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Graphic Designer Salary in Kearney

How much does a Graphic Designer make in Kearney, NE? ▼
The median graphic designer salary in Kearney, Nebraska is $49,871 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $57,990. Salaries range from $31,304 (10th percentile) to $84,452 (90th percentile).
How much does a Graphic Designer make per hour in Kearney? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,871, a graphic designer in Kearney earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kearney compare to the Nebraska state average for graphic designer pay? ▼
Kearney's median graphic designer salary of $49,871 is 4.4% below the Nebraska state average of $52,191. 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 graphic designer salary of $49,871 in Kearney has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a graphic designer in Kearney? ▼
Most graphic designer positions in Kearney require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Adobe Creative Suite, Typography, Layout Design, Color Theory. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.