Public Service Kearney, NE Pop. 33,464

Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Salary in Kearney, Nebraska

The median occupational health & safety specialist salary in Kearney, NE is $67,716 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$67,716
vs State Avg
$-3,150
vs National
$-11,024
Cost of Living
86%

Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Pay in Kearney: What to Expect (2026)

Kearney offers a median occupational health & safety specialist salary of $67,716, which is $3,150 below the Nebraska state average of $70,866. Compared to the national median of $78,740, 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 $67,716 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $78,740 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for occupational health & safety specialists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for occupational health & safety specialists in Kearney spans from $41,280 at the 10th percentile to $104,920 at the 90th percentile — a $63,640 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $43,000, while senior occupational health & safety specialists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $101,480. Kearney is a smaller market (pop. 33,464), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Salary in Kearney by Experience

In Kearney, an entry-level occupational health & safety specialist earns around $43,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $101,480 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$43,000
$-7,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$68,800
$-11,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$101,480
$-16,520 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kearney, NE

Percentile Kearney
10th Percentile $41,280
25th Percentile $53,320
Median (50th) $67,716
75th Percentile $86,000
90th Percentile $104,920

Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$73,228
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$72,441
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$70,866
Pop. 291,082
Grand Island, NE
$66,142
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Occupational Health & Safety Specialist in Kearney

Education

Most occupational health & safety specialist positions require a bachelor's degree. Kearney and the surrounding Nebraska area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

OSHA RegulationsHazard AssessmentSafety TrainingIndustrial HygieneReport WritingRisk Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, occupational health & safety specialist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Kearney may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Jobs in Kearney

Browse open occupational health & safety specialist positions in Kearney, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Health & Safety Specialist Salary in Kearney

How much does a Occupational Health & Safety Specialist make in Kearney, NE? ▼
The median occupational health & safety specialist salary in Kearney, Nebraska is $67,716 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $78,740. Salaries range from $41,280 (10th percentile) to $104,920 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Health & Safety Specialist make per hour in Kearney? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $67,716, a occupational health & safety specialist in Kearney earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kearney compare to the Nebraska state average for occupational health & safety specialist pay? ▼
Kearney's median occupational health & safety specialist salary of $67,716 is 4.4% below the Nebraska state average of $70,866. 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 occupational health & safety specialist salary of $67,716 in Kearney has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational health & safety specialist in Kearney? ▼
Most occupational health & safety specialist positions in Kearney require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include OSHA Regulations, Hazard Assessment, Safety Training, Industrial Hygiene. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.