Trades & Labor Kearney, NE Pop. 33,464

Ironworker Salary in Kearney, Nebraska

The median ironworker salary in Kearney, NE is $49,450 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$49,450
vs State Avg
$-2,300
vs National
$-8,050
Cost of Living
86%

Ironworker Pay in Kearney: What to Expect (2026)

Kearney offers a median ironworker salary of $49,450, which is $2,300 below the Nebraska state average of $51,750. Compared to the national median of $57,500, 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 $49,450 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $57,500 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for ironworkers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for ironworkers in Kearney spans from $30,960 at the 10th percentile to $79,120 at the 90th percentile — a $48,160 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,680, while senior ironworkers 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.

Ironworker Salary in Kearney by Experience

In Kearney, an entry-level ironworker 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 $30,960
25th Percentile $37,840
Median (50th) $49,450
75th Percentile $64,500
90th Percentile $79,120

Ironworker Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$53,475
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$52,900
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$51,750
Pop. 291,082
Grand Island, NE
$48,300
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Ironworker in Kearney

Education

Most ironworker positions require a high school diploma + apprenticeship. Kearney and the surrounding Nebraska area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Structural SteelWeldingBlueprint ReadingRiggingSafety/Fall ProtectionPhysical Stamina

Job Outlook

Nationally, ironworker 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 Ironworker Jobs in Kearney

Browse open ironworker positions in Kearney, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Ironworker Salary in Kearney

How much does a Ironworker make in Kearney, NE? ▼
The median ironworker salary in Kearney, Nebraska is $49,450 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $57,500. Salaries range from $30,960 (10th percentile) to $79,120 (90th percentile).
How much does a Ironworker make per hour in Kearney? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,450, a ironworker 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 ironworker pay? ▼
Kearney's median ironworker salary of $49,450 is 4.4% below the Nebraska state average of $51,750. 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 ironworker salary of $49,450 in Kearney has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a ironworker in Kearney? ▼
Most ironworker positions in Kearney require a high school diploma + apprenticeship. Key skills include Structural Steel, Welding, Blueprint Reading, Rigging. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.