Creative & Education Kearney, NE Pop. 33,464

Social Worker Salary in Kearney, Nebraska

The median social worker salary in Kearney, NE is $47,601 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$47,601
vs State Avg
$-2,214
vs National
$-7,749
Cost of Living
86%

Social Worker Pay in Kearney: What to Expect (2026)

Kearney offers a median social worker salary of $47,601, which is $2,214 below the Nebraska state average of $49,815. Compared to the national median of $55,350, 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 $47,601 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $55,350 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for social workers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for social workers in Kearney spans from $31,304 at the 10th percentile to $75,508 at the 90th percentile — a $44,204 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,680, while senior social workers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $70,520. Kearney is a smaller market (pop. 33,464), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Social Worker Salary in Kearney by Experience

In Kearney, an entry-level social worker earns around $32,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $70,520 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,680
$-5,320 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$48,160
$-7,840 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$70,520
$-11,480 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kearney, NE

Percentile Kearney
10th Percentile $31,304
25th Percentile $38,012
Median (50th) $47,601
75th Percentile $60,544
90th Percentile $75,508

Social Worker Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$51,476
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$50,922
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$49,815
Pop. 291,082
Grand Island, NE
$46,494
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Social Worker in Kearney

Education

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

Key Skills

Case ManagementCounselingCrisis InterventionCommunity ResourcesAdvocacyDocumentation

Job Outlook

Nationally, social worker employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Kearney may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Social Worker Jobs in Kearney

Browse open social worker positions in Kearney, NE:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Social Worker Salary in Kearney

How much does a Social Worker make in Kearney, NE? ▼
The median social worker salary in Kearney, Nebraska is $47,601 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $31,304 (10th percentile) to $75,508 (90th percentile).
How much does a Social Worker make per hour in Kearney? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $47,601, a social worker in Kearney earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kearney compare to the Nebraska state average for social worker pay? ▼
Kearney's median social worker salary of $47,601 is 4.4% below the Nebraska state average of $49,815. 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 social worker salary of $47,601 in Kearney has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a social worker in Kearney? ▼
Most social worker positions in Kearney require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Case Management, Counseling, Crisis Intervention, Community Resources. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.