Media & Communications Kearney, NE Pop. 33,464

Journalist Salary in Kearney, Nebraska

The median journalist salary in Kearney, NE is $48,126 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$48,126
vs State Avg
$-2,238
vs National
$-7,834
Cost of Living
86%

Journalist Pay in Kearney: What to Expect (2026)

Kearney offers a median journalist salary of $48,126, which is $2,238 below the Nebraska state average of $50,364. Compared to the national median of $55,960, 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 $48,126 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $55,960 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for journalists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for journalists in Kearney spans from $27,520 at the 10th percentile to $94,600 at the 90th percentile — a $67,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,100, while senior journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $86,000. Kearney is a smaller market (pop. 33,464), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Journalist Salary in Kearney by Experience

In Kearney, an entry-level journalist earns around $30,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $86,000 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)
$86,000
$-14,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kearney, NE

Percentile Kearney
10th Percentile $27,520
25th Percentile $34,400
Median (50th) $48,126
75th Percentile $67,080
90th Percentile $94,600

Journalist Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$52,043
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$51,483
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$50,364
Pop. 291,082
Grand Island, NE
$47,006
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Journalist in Kearney

Education

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

Key Skills

WritingInvestigative ResearchInterviewingAP StyleCMS PlatformsSocial Media

Job Outlook

Nationally, journalist employment is projected to grow -3% over the next decade (decline). Demand in Kearney may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Journalist Jobs in Kearney

Browse open journalist positions in Kearney, NE:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Kearney

How much does a Journalist make in Kearney, NE? ▼
The median journalist salary in Kearney, Nebraska is $48,126 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $27,520 (10th percentile) to $94,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in Kearney? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,126, a journalist in Kearney earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kearney compare to the Nebraska state average for journalist pay? ▼
Kearney's median journalist salary of $48,126 is 4.4% below the Nebraska state average of $50,364. 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 journalist salary of $48,126 in Kearney has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a journalist in Kearney? ▼
Most journalist positions in Kearney require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Writing, Investigative Research, Interviewing, AP Style. The job market is projected to grow -3% nationally over the next decade.