Creative & Education Kearney, NE Pop. 33,464

Sports Coach Salary in Kearney, Nebraska

The median sports coach salary in Kearney, NE is $38,614 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$38,614
vs State Avg
$-1,796
vs National
$-6,286
Cost of Living
86%

Sports Coach Pay in Kearney: What to Expect (2026)

Kearney offers a median sports coach salary of $38,614, which is $1,796 below the Nebraska state average of $40,410. Compared to the national median of $44,900, 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 $38,614 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $44,900 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for sports coachs seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for sports coachs in Kearney spans from $20,640 at the 10th percentile to $75,680 at the 90th percentile — a $55,040 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $22,360, while senior sports coachs 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.

Sports Coach Salary in Kearney by Experience

In Kearney, an entry-level sports coach earns around $22,360, 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)
$22,360
$-3,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$39,560
$-6,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$70,520
$-11,480 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kearney, NE

Percentile Kearney
10th Percentile $20,640
25th Percentile $27,520
Median (50th) $38,614
75th Percentile $55,040
90th Percentile $75,680

Sports Coach Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$41,757
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$41,308
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$40,410
Pop. 291,082
Grand Island, NE
$37,716
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Sports Coach in Kearney

Education

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

Key Skills

CoachingStrategyPlayer DevelopmentCommunicationMotivationSport-Specific Knowledge

Job Outlook

Nationally, sports coach employment is projected to grow 12% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Kearney may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Sports Coach Jobs in Kearney

Browse open sports coach positions in Kearney, NE:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Sports Coach Salary in Kearney

How much does a Sports Coach make in Kearney, NE? ▼
The median sports coach salary in Kearney, Nebraska is $38,614 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $44,900. Salaries range from $20,640 (10th percentile) to $75,680 (90th percentile).
How much does a Sports Coach make per hour in Kearney? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $38,614, a sports coach in Kearney earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kearney compare to the Nebraska state average for sports coach pay? ▼
Kearney's median sports coach salary of $38,614 is 4.4% below the Nebraska state average of $40,410. 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 sports coach salary of $38,614 in Kearney has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a sports coach in Kearney? ▼
Most sports coach positions in Kearney require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Coaching, Strategy, Player Development, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 12% nationally over the next decade.