Lawyer Salary in Kearney, Nebraska
The median lawyer salary in Kearney, NE is $116,736 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Nebraska state average.
Lawyer Pay in Kearney: What to Expect (2026)
Kearney offers a median lawyer salary of $116,736, which is $5,430 below the Nebraska state average of $122,166. Compared to the national median of $135,740, 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 $116,736 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $135,740 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for lawyers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for lawyers in Kearney spans from $55,900 at the 10th percentile to $205,712 at the 90th percentile — a $149,812 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $60,200, while senior lawyers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $189,200. Kearney is a smaller market (pop. 33,464), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Lawyer Salary in Kearney by Experience
In Kearney, an entry-level lawyer earns around $60,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $189,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Kearney, NE
| Percentile | Kearney |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $55,900 |
| 25th Percentile | $73,100 |
| Median (50th) | $116,736 |
| 75th Percentile | $159,960 |
| 90th Percentile | $205,712 |
Lawyer Salary in Other Nebraska Cities
How to Become a Lawyer in Kearney
Education
Most lawyer positions require a doctoral degree. Kearney and the surrounding Nebraska area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, lawyer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Kearney may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Lawyer Jobs in Kearney
Browse open lawyer positions in Kearney, NE: