Engineering Kearney, NE Pop. 33,464

Marine Engineer Salary in Kearney, Nebraska

The median marine engineer salary in Kearney, NE is $83,343 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$83,343
vs State Avg
$-3,876
vs National
$-13,567
Cost of Living
86%

Marine Engineer Pay in Kearney: What to Expect (2026)

Kearney offers a median marine engineer salary of $83,343, which is $3,876 below the Nebraska state average of $87,219. Compared to the national median of $96,910, 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 $83,343 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $96,910 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for marine engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for marine engineers in Kearney spans from $49,880 at the 10th percentile to $130,720 at the 90th percentile — a $80,840 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $53,320, while senior marine engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $124,700. Kearney is a smaller market (pop. 33,464), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Marine Engineer Salary in Kearney by Experience

In Kearney, an entry-level marine engineer earns around $53,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $124,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$53,320
$-8,680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$84,280
$-13,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$124,700
$-20,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kearney, NE

Percentile Kearney
10th Percentile $49,880
25th Percentile $65,360
Median (50th) $83,343
75th Percentile $106,640
90th Percentile $130,720

Marine Engineer Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$90,126
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$89,157
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$87,219
Pop. 291,082
Grand Island, NE
$81,404
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Marine Engineer in Kearney

Education

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

Key Skills

Naval ArchitectureMarine SystemsCADPropulsionMaritime LawProject Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, marine engineer 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 Marine Engineer Jobs in Kearney

Browse open marine engineer positions in Kearney, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Marine Engineer Salary in Kearney

How much does a Marine Engineer make in Kearney, NE? ▼
The median marine engineer salary in Kearney, Nebraska is $83,343 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $96,910. Salaries range from $49,880 (10th percentile) to $130,720 (90th percentile).
How much does a Marine Engineer make per hour in Kearney? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $83,343, a marine engineer in Kearney earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kearney compare to the Nebraska state average for marine engineer pay? ▼
Kearney's median marine engineer salary of $83,343 is 4.4% below the Nebraska state average of $87,219. 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 marine engineer salary of $83,343 in Kearney has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a marine engineer in Kearney? ▼
Most marine engineer positions in Kearney require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Naval Architecture, Marine Systems, CAD, Propulsion. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.