Healthcare Kearney, NE Pop. 33,464

Optometrist Salary in Kearney, Nebraska

The median optometrist salary in Kearney, NE is $108,007 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$108,007
vs State Avg
$-5,024
vs National
$-17,583
Cost of Living
86%

Optometrist Pay in Kearney: What to Expect (2026)

Kearney offers a median optometrist salary of $108,007, which is $5,024 below the Nebraska state average of $113,031. Compared to the national median of $125,590, 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 $108,007 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $125,590 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for optometrists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for optometrists in Kearney spans from $67,080 at the 10th percentile to $165,120 at the 90th percentile — a $98,040 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $70,520, while senior optometrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $153,080. Kearney is a smaller market (pop. 33,464), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Optometrist Salary in Kearney by Experience

In Kearney, an entry-level optometrist earns around $70,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $153,080 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$70,520
$-11,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$110,080
$-17,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$153,080
$-24,920 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kearney, NE

Percentile Kearney
10th Percentile $67,080
25th Percentile $86,000
Median (50th) $108,007
75th Percentile $135,880
90th Percentile $165,120

Optometrist Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$116,799
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$115,543
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$113,031
Pop. 291,082
Grand Island, NE
$105,496
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Optometrist in Kearney

Education

Most optometrist positions require a doctoral degree. Kearney and the surrounding Nebraska area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Eye ExaminationRefractionContact Lens FittingOcular DiseasePatient EducationDiagnostic Equipment

Job Outlook

Nationally, optometrist employment is projected to grow 9% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Kearney may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Optometrist Jobs in Kearney

Browse open optometrist positions in Kearney, NE:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Kearney

How much does a Optometrist make in Kearney, NE? ▼
The median optometrist salary in Kearney, Nebraska is $108,007 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $67,080 (10th percentile) to $165,120 (90th percentile).
How much does a Optometrist make per hour in Kearney? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $108,007, a optometrist in Kearney earns approximately $52 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kearney compare to the Nebraska state average for optometrist pay? ▼
Kearney's median optometrist salary of $108,007 is 4.4% below the Nebraska state average of $113,031. 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 optometrist salary of $108,007 in Kearney has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a optometrist in Kearney? ▼
Most optometrist positions in Kearney require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Eye Examination, Refraction, Contact Lens Fitting, Ocular Disease. The job market is projected to grow 9% nationally over the next decade.