Media & Communications Kearney, NE Pop. 33,464

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Kearney, Nebraska

The median public relations specialist salary in Kearney, NE is $57,998 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$57,998
vs State Avg
$-2,698
vs National
$-9,442
Cost of Living
86%

Public Relations Specialist Pay in Kearney: What to Expect (2026)

Kearney offers a median public relations specialist salary of $57,998, which is $2,698 below the Nebraska state average of $60,696. Compared to the national median of $67,440, 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 $57,998 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $67,440 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for public relations specialists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for public relations specialists in Kearney spans from $32,680 at the 10th percentile to $103,200 at the 90th percentile — a $70,520 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,120, while senior public relations specialists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $96,320. Kearney is a smaller market (pop. 33,464), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Kearney by Experience

In Kearney, an entry-level public relations specialist earns around $36,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $96,320 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)
$60,200
$-9,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$96,320
$-15,680 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kearney, NE

Percentile Kearney
10th Percentile $32,680
25th Percentile $43,000
Median (50th) $57,998
75th Percentile $78,260
90th Percentile $103,200

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$62,719
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$62,045
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$60,696
Pop. 291,082
Grand Island, NE
$56,650
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Public Relations Specialist in Kearney

Education

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

Key Skills

Media RelationsPress ReleasesCrisis CommunicationsSocial MediaEvent PlanningBrand Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, public relations specialist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Kearney may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Public Relations Specialist Jobs in Kearney

Browse open public relations specialist positions in Kearney, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Public Relations Specialist Salary in Kearney

How much does a Public Relations Specialist make in Kearney, NE? ▼
The median public relations specialist salary in Kearney, Nebraska is $57,998 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $67,440. Salaries range from $32,680 (10th percentile) to $103,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Public Relations Specialist make per hour in Kearney? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $57,998, a public relations specialist in Kearney earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kearney compare to the Nebraska state average for public relations specialist pay? ▼
Kearney's median public relations specialist salary of $57,998 is 4.4% below the Nebraska state average of $60,696. 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 public relations specialist salary of $57,998 in Kearney has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a public relations specialist in Kearney? ▼
Most public relations specialist positions in Kearney require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Media Relations, Press Releases, Crisis Communications, Social Media. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.