Public Service Kearney, NE Pop. 33,464

Police Officer Salary in Kearney, Nebraska

The median police officer salary in Kearney, NE is $56,579 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$56,579
vs State Avg
$-2,632
vs National
$-9,211
Cost of Living
86%

Police Officer Pay in Kearney: What to Expect (2026)

Kearney offers a median police officer salary of $56,579, which is $2,632 below the Nebraska state average of $59,211. Compared to the national median of $65,790, 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 $56,579 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $65,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for police officers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for police officers in Kearney spans from $34,744 at the 10th percentile to $91,160 at the 90th percentile — a $56,416 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,120, while senior police officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $84,280. Kearney is a smaller market (pop. 33,464), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Police Officer Salary in Kearney by Experience

In Kearney, an entry-level police officer earns around $36,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $84,280 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,120
$-5,880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$56,760
$-9,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$84,280
$-13,720 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kearney, NE

Percentile Kearney
10th Percentile $34,744
25th Percentile $44,032
Median (50th) $56,579
75th Percentile $74,992
90th Percentile $91,160

Police Officer Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$61,185
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$60,527
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$59,211
Pop. 291,082
Grand Island, NE
$55,264
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Police Officer in Kearney

Education

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

Key Skills

Law EnforcementEmergency ResponseReport WritingDe-escalationPhysical FitnessCommunity Policing

Job Outlook

Nationally, police officer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Kearney may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Police Officer Jobs in Kearney

Browse open police officer positions in Kearney, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Police Officer Salary in Kearney

How much does a Police Officer make in Kearney, NE? ▼
The median police officer salary in Kearney, Nebraska is $56,579 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $65,790. Salaries range from $34,744 (10th percentile) to $91,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Police Officer make per hour in Kearney? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,579, a police officer in Kearney earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kearney compare to the Nebraska state average for police officer pay? ▼
Kearney's median police officer salary of $56,579 is 4.4% below the Nebraska state average of $59,211. 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 police officer salary of $56,579 in Kearney has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a police officer in Kearney? ▼
Most police officer positions in Kearney require a high school diploma. Key skills include Law Enforcement, Emergency Response, Report Writing, De-escalation. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.