Trades & Labor Kearney, NE Pop. 33,464

Painter Salary in Kearney, Nebraska

The median painter salary in Kearney, NE is $38,442 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$38,442
vs State Avg
$-1,788
vs National
$-6,258
Cost of Living
86%

Painter Pay in Kearney: What to Expect (2026)

Kearney offers a median painter salary of $38,442, which is $1,788 below the Nebraska state average of $40,230. Compared to the national median of $44,700, 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 $38,442 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $44,700 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for painters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for painters in Kearney spans from $25,800 at the 10th percentile to $60,200 at the 90th percentile — a $34,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $26,660, while senior painters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $56,760. Kearney is a smaller market (pop. 33,464), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Painter Salary in Kearney by Experience

In Kearney, an entry-level painter earns around $26,660, while experienced professionals earn up to $56,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,660
$-4,340 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$38,700
$-6,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$56,760
$-9,240 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kearney, NE

Percentile Kearney
10th Percentile $25,800
25th Percentile $30,960
Median (50th) $38,442
75th Percentile $49,020
90th Percentile $60,200

Painter Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$41,571
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$41,124
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$40,230
Pop. 291,082
Grand Island, NE
$37,548
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Painter in Kearney

Education

Most painter positions require a high school diploma. Kearney and the surrounding Nebraska area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Surface PreparationPaint ApplicationColor MatchingSpray EquipmentSafetyBlueprint Reading

Job Outlook

Nationally, painter employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Kearney may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Painter Jobs in Kearney

Browse open painter positions in Kearney, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Painter Salary in Kearney

How much does a Painter make in Kearney, NE? ▼
The median painter salary in Kearney, Nebraska is $38,442 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $44,700. Salaries range from $25,800 (10th percentile) to $60,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Painter make per hour in Kearney? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $38,442, a painter in Kearney earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kearney compare to the Nebraska state average for painter pay? ▼
Kearney's median painter salary of $38,442 is 4.4% below the Nebraska state average of $40,230. 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 painter salary of $38,442 in Kearney has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a painter in Kearney? ▼
Most painter positions in Kearney require a high school diploma. Key skills include Surface Preparation, Paint Application, Color Matching, Spray Equipment. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.