Industrial Engineer Salary in Kearney, Nebraska
The median industrial engineer salary in Kearney, NE is $81,958 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Nebraska state average.
Industrial Engineer Pay in Kearney: What to Expect (2026)
Kearney offers a median industrial engineer salary of $81,958, which is $3,812 below the Nebraska state average of $85,770. Compared to the national median of $95,300, 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 $81,958 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $95,300 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for industrial engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for industrial engineers in Kearney spans from $52,460 at the 10th percentile to $127,280 at the 90th percentile — a $74,820 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,040, while senior industrial engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $122,120. Kearney is a smaller market (pop. 33,464), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Industrial Engineer Salary in Kearney by Experience
In Kearney, an entry-level industrial engineer earns around $55,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $122,120 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Kearney, NE
| Percentile | Kearney |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $52,460 |
| 25th Percentile | $65,360 |
| Median (50th) | $81,958 |
| 75th Percentile | $103,200 |
| 90th Percentile | $127,280 |
Industrial Engineer Salary in Other Nebraska Cities
How to Become a Industrial Engineer in Kearney
Education
Most industrial engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Kearney and the surrounding Nebraska area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, industrial engineer employment is projected to grow 12% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Kearney may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Industrial Engineer Jobs in Kearney
Browse open industrial engineer positions in Kearney, NE: