Science & Research Kearney, NE Pop. 33,464

Physicist Salary in Kearney, Nebraska

The median physicist salary in Kearney, NE is $131,090 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$131,090
vs State Avg
$-6,097
vs National
$-21,340
Cost of Living
86%

Physicist Pay in Kearney: What to Expect (2026)

Kearney offers a median physicist salary of $131,090, which is $6,097 below the Nebraska state average of $137,187. Compared to the national median of $152,430, 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 $131,090 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $152,430 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for physicists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for physicists in Kearney spans from $67,080 at the 10th percentile to $204,680 at the 90th percentile — a $137,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $70,520, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $189,200. Kearney is a smaller market (pop. 33,464), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Physicist Salary in Kearney by Experience

In Kearney, an entry-level physicist earns around $70,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $189,200 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)
$133,300
$-21,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$189,200
$-30,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kearney, NE

Percentile Kearney
10th Percentile $67,080
25th Percentile $92,880
Median (50th) $131,090
75th Percentile $167,700
90th Percentile $204,680

Physicist Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$141,760
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$140,236
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$137,187
Pop. 291,082
Grand Island, NE
$128,041
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Physicist in Kearney

Education

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

Key Skills

Mathematical ModelingExperimental PhysicsPython/MATLABData AnalysisScientific WritingLaboratory Equipment

Job Outlook

Nationally, physicist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Kearney may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physicist Jobs in Kearney

Browse open physicist positions in Kearney, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Kearney

How much does a Physicist make in Kearney, NE? ▼
The median physicist salary in Kearney, Nebraska is $131,090 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $67,080 (10th percentile) to $204,680 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Kearney? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $131,090, a physicist in Kearney earns approximately $63 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kearney compare to the Nebraska state average for physicist pay? ▼
Kearney's median physicist salary of $131,090 is 4.4% below the Nebraska state average of $137,187. 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 physicist salary of $131,090 in Kearney has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Kearney? ▼
Most physicist positions in Kearney require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Mathematical Modeling, Experimental Physics, Python/MATLAB, Data Analysis. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.