Engineering Kearney, NE Pop. 33,464

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Kearney, Nebraska

The median mechanical engineer salary in Kearney, NE is $82,827 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$82,827
vs State Avg
$-3,852
vs National
$-13,483
Cost of Living
86%

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

Kearney offers a median mechanical engineer salary of $82,827, which is $3,852 below the Nebraska state average of $86,679. Compared to the national median of $96,310, 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 $82,827 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $96,310 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for mechanical engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for mechanical engineers in Kearney spans from $54,524 at the 10th percentile to $125,732 at the 90th percentile — a $71,208 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,900, while senior mechanical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $118,680. Kearney is a smaller market (pop. 33,464), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Kearney by Experience

In Kearney, an entry-level mechanical engineer earns around $55,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $118,680 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,900
$-9,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$82,560
$-13,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$118,680
$-19,320 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kearney, NE

Percentile Kearney
10th Percentile $54,524
25th Percentile $67,768
Median (50th) $82,827
75th Percentile $102,856
90th Percentile $125,732

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$89,568
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$88,605
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$86,679
Pop. 291,082
Grand Island, NE
$80,900
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Mechanical Engineer in Kearney

Education

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

Key Skills

SolidWorks/CADThermodynamicsFEAManufacturingMaterials SciencePE License

Job Outlook

Nationally, mechanical engineer employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Kearney may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Kearney

Browse open mechanical engineer positions in Kearney, NE:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Mechanical Engineer Salary in Kearney

How much does a Mechanical Engineer make in Kearney, NE? ▼
The median mechanical engineer salary in Kearney, Nebraska is $82,827 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $96,310. Salaries range from $54,524 (10th percentile) to $125,732 (90th percentile).
How much does a Mechanical Engineer make per hour in Kearney? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $82,827, a mechanical 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 mechanical engineer pay? ▼
Kearney's median mechanical engineer salary of $82,827 is 4.4% below the Nebraska state average of $86,679. 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 mechanical engineer salary of $82,827 in Kearney has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a mechanical engineer in Kearney? ▼
Most mechanical engineer positions in Kearney require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include SolidWorks/CAD, Thermodynamics, FEA, Manufacturing. The job market is projected to grow 2% nationally over the next decade.