Media & Communications Kearney, NE Pop. 33,464

Interpreter Salary in Kearney, Nebraska

The median interpreter salary in Kearney, NE is $49,097 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$49,097
vs State Avg
$-2,284
vs National
$-7,993
Cost of Living
86%

Interpreter Pay in Kearney: What to Expect (2026)

Kearney offers a median interpreter salary of $49,097, which is $2,284 below the Nebraska state average of $51,381. Compared to the national median of $57,090, 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 $49,097 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $57,090 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for interpreters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for interpreters in Kearney spans from $27,520 at the 10th percentile to $86,860 at the 90th percentile — a $59,340 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,100, while senior interpreters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $81,700. Kearney is a smaller market (pop. 33,464), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Interpreter Salary in Kearney by Experience

In Kearney, an entry-level interpreter earns around $30,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $81,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,100
$-4,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,880
$-8,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$81,700
$-13,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kearney, NE

Percentile Kearney
10th Percentile $27,520
25th Percentile $36,120
Median (50th) $49,097
75th Percentile $67,080
90th Percentile $86,860

Interpreter Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$53,094
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$52,523
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$51,381
Pop. 291,082
Grand Island, NE
$47,956
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Interpreter in Kearney

Education

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

Key Skills

Bilingual FluencyConsecutive InterpretingSimultaneous InterpretingCultural CompetencyMemoryProfessionalism

Job Outlook

Nationally, interpreter 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 Interpreter Jobs in Kearney

Browse open interpreter positions in Kearney, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Interpreter Salary in Kearney

How much does a Interpreter make in Kearney, NE? ▼
The median interpreter salary in Kearney, Nebraska is $49,097 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $57,090. Salaries range from $27,520 (10th percentile) to $86,860 (90th percentile).
How much does a Interpreter make per hour in Kearney? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,097, a interpreter 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 interpreter pay? ▼
Kearney's median interpreter salary of $49,097 is 4.4% below the Nebraska state average of $51,381. 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 interpreter salary of $49,097 in Kearney has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a interpreter in Kearney? ▼
Most interpreter positions in Kearney require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Bilingual Fluency, Consecutive Interpreting, Simultaneous Interpreting, Cultural Competency. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.