Public Service Kearney, NE Pop. 33,464

Security Guard Salary in Kearney, Nebraska

The median security guard salary in Kearney, NE is $29,885 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$29,885
vs State Avg
$-1,390
vs National
$-4,865
Cost of Living
86%

Security Guard Pay in Kearney: What to Expect (2026)

Kearney offers a median security guard salary of $29,885, which is $1,390 below the Nebraska state average of $31,275. Compared to the national median of $34,750, 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 $29,885 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $34,750 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for security guards seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for security guards in Kearney spans from $21,500 at the 10th percentile to $44,720 at the 90th percentile — a $23,220 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $22,360, while senior security guards with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $43,000. Kearney is a smaller market (pop. 33,464), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Security Guard Salary in Kearney by Experience

In Kearney, an entry-level security guard earns around $22,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $43,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$22,360
$-3,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$30,960
$-5,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$43,000
$-7,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kearney, NE

Percentile Kearney
10th Percentile $21,500
25th Percentile $24,940
Median (50th) $29,885
75th Percentile $36,120
90th Percentile $44,720

Security Guard Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$32,318
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$31,970
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$31,275
Pop. 291,082
Grand Island, NE
$29,190
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Security Guard in Kearney

Education

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

Key Skills

SurveillanceAccess ControlReport WritingCommunicationObservationCPR/First Aid

Job Outlook

Nationally, security guard 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 Security Guard Jobs in Kearney

Browse open security guard positions in Kearney, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Security Guard Salary in Kearney

How much does a Security Guard make in Kearney, NE? ▼
The median security guard salary in Kearney, Nebraska is $29,885 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $34,750. Salaries range from $21,500 (10th percentile) to $44,720 (90th percentile).
How much does a Security Guard make per hour in Kearney? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $29,885, a security guard in Kearney earns approximately $14 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kearney compare to the Nebraska state average for security guard pay? ▼
Kearney's median security guard salary of $29,885 is 4.4% below the Nebraska state average of $31,275. 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 security guard salary of $29,885 in Kearney has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a security guard in Kearney? ▼
Most security guard positions in Kearney require a high school diploma. Key skills include Surveillance, Access Control, Report Writing, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.