Judge Salary in Kearney, Nebraska
The median judge salary in Kearney, NE is $127,306 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Nebraska state average.
Judge Pay in Kearney: What to Expect (2026)
Kearney offers a median judge salary of $127,306, which is $5,921 below the Nebraska state average of $133,227. Compared to the national median of $148,030, 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 $127,306 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $148,030 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for judges seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for judges in Kearney spans from $49,880 at the 10th percentile to $197,800 at the 90th percentile — a $147,920 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,900, while senior judges with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $184,900. Kearney is a smaller market (pop. 33,464), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Judge Salary in Kearney by Experience
In Kearney, an entry-level judge earns around $55,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $184,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Kearney, NE
| Percentile | Kearney |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $49,880 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,400 |
| Median (50th) | $127,306 |
| 75th Percentile | $167,700 |
| 90th Percentile | $197,800 |
Judge Salary in Other Nebraska Cities
How to Become a Judge in Kearney
Education
Most judge positions require a doctoral degree. Kearney and the surrounding Nebraska area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, judge 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 Judge Jobs in Kearney
Browse open judge positions in Kearney, NE: