Creative & Education Kearney, NE Pop. 33,464

School Counselor Salary in Kearney, Nebraska

The median school counselor salary in Kearney, NE is $51,720 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$51,720
vs State Avg
$-2,406
vs National
$-8,420
Cost of Living
86%

School Counselor Pay in Kearney: What to Expect (2026)

Kearney offers a median school counselor salary of $51,720, which is $2,406 below the Nebraska state average of $54,126. Compared to the national median of $60,140, 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 $51,720 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $60,140 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for school counselors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for school counselors in Kearney spans from $32,852 at the 10th percentile to $81,528 at the 90th percentile — a $48,676 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,400, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $73,100. Kearney is a smaller market (pop. 33,464), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

School Counselor Salary in Kearney by Experience

In Kearney, an entry-level school counselor earns around $34,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $73,100 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)
$51,600
$-8,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$73,100
$-11,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kearney, NE

Percentile Kearney
10th Percentile $32,852
25th Percentile $40,420
Median (50th) $51,720
75th Percentile $65,532
90th Percentile $81,528

School Counselor Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$55,930
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$55,329
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$54,126
Pop. 291,082
Grand Island, NE
$50,518
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a School Counselor in Kearney

Education

Most school counselor positions require a master's degree. Kearney and the surrounding Nebraska area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

CounselingCollege PlanningCrisis InterventionGroup FacilitationActive ListeningStudent Assessment

Job Outlook

Nationally, school counselor 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 School Counselor Jobs in Kearney

Browse open school counselor positions in Kearney, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Kearney

How much does a School Counselor make in Kearney, NE? ▼
The median school counselor salary in Kearney, Nebraska is $51,720 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $32,852 (10th percentile) to $81,528 (90th percentile).
How much does a School Counselor make per hour in Kearney? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $51,720, a school counselor 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 school counselor pay? ▼
Kearney's median school counselor salary of $51,720 is 4.4% below the Nebraska state average of $54,126. 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 school counselor salary of $51,720 in Kearney has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a school counselor in Kearney? ▼
Most school counselor positions in Kearney require a master's degree. Key skills include Counseling, College Planning, Crisis Intervention, Group Facilitation. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.