Public Service Kearney, NE Pop. 33,464

Probation Officer Salary in Kearney, Nebraska

The median probation officer salary in Kearney, NE is $51,815 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$51,815
vs State Avg
$-2,410
vs National
$-8,435
Cost of Living
86%

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

Kearney offers a median probation officer salary of $51,815, which is $2,410 below the Nebraska state average of $54,225. Compared to the national median of $60,250, 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 $51,815 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $60,250 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for probation officers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for probation officers in Kearney spans from $32,680 at the 10th percentile to $79,120 at the 90th percentile — a $46,440 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,400, while senior probation officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $75,680. Kearney is a smaller market (pop. 33,464), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Probation Officer Salary in Kearney by Experience

In Kearney, an entry-level probation officer earns around $34,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $75,680 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,400
$-5,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$53,320
$-8,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$75,680
$-12,320 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kearney, NE

Percentile Kearney
10th Percentile $32,680
25th Percentile $41,280
Median (50th) $51,815
75th Percentile $65,360
90th Percentile $79,120

Probation Officer Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$56,033
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$55,430
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$54,225
Pop. 291,082
Grand Island, NE
$50,610
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Probation Officer in Kearney

Education

Most probation officer positions require a bachelor's degree. Kearney and the surrounding Nebraska area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Case ManagementRisk AssessmentReport WritingCommunicationCrisis InterventionLegal Knowledge

Job Outlook

Nationally, probation 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 Probation Officer Jobs in Kearney

Browse open probation officer positions in Kearney, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Probation Officer Salary in Kearney

How much does a Probation Officer make in Kearney, NE? ▼
The median probation officer salary in Kearney, Nebraska is $51,815 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $60,250. Salaries range from $32,680 (10th percentile) to $79,120 (90th percentile).
How much does a Probation Officer make per hour in Kearney? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $51,815, a probation officer in Kearney earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kearney compare to the Nebraska state average for probation officer pay? ▼
Kearney's median probation officer salary of $51,815 is 4.4% below the Nebraska state average of $54,225. 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 probation officer salary of $51,815 in Kearney has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a probation officer in Kearney? ▼
Most probation officer positions in Kearney require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Case Management, Risk Assessment, Report Writing, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.