Creative & Education Kearney, NE Pop. 33,464

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Kearney, Nebraska

The median teacher (k-12) salary in Kearney, NE is $53,053 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$53,053
vs State Avg
$-2,468
vs National
$-8,637
Cost of Living
86%

Teacher (K-12) Pay in Kearney: What to Expect (2026)

Kearney offers a median teacher (k-12) salary of $53,053, which is $2,468 below the Nebraska state average of $55,521. Compared to the national median of $61,690, 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 $53,053 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $61,690 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for teacher (k-12)s seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for teacher (k-12)s in Kearney spans from $35,604 at the 10th percentile to $86,860 at the 90th percentile — a $51,256 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,120, while senior teacher (k-12)s with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $79,120. Kearney is a smaller market (pop. 33,464), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Kearney by Experience

In Kearney, an entry-level teacher (k-12) earns around $36,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $79,120 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)
$53,320
$-8,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$79,120
$-12,880 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kearney, NE

Percentile Kearney
10th Percentile $35,604
25th Percentile $41,968
Median (50th) $53,053
75th Percentile $68,112
90th Percentile $86,860

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$57,372
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$56,755
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$55,521
Pop. 291,082
Grand Island, NE
$51,820
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Teacher (K-12) in Kearney

Education

Most teacher (k-12) positions require a bachelor's degree. Kearney and the surrounding Nebraska area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Lesson PlanningClassroom ManagementAssessmentDifferentiated InstructionCommunicationEducational Technology

Job Outlook

Nationally, teacher (k-12) employment is projected to grow 1% over the next decade (slower than average). Demand in Kearney may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Teacher (K-12) Jobs in Kearney

Browse open teacher (k-12) positions in Kearney, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Teacher (K-12) Salary in Kearney

How much does a Teacher (K-12) make in Kearney, NE? ▼
The median teacher (k-12) salary in Kearney, Nebraska is $53,053 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $61,690. Salaries range from $35,604 (10th percentile) to $86,860 (90th percentile).
How much does a Teacher (K-12) make per hour in Kearney? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $53,053, a teacher (k-12) in Kearney earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kearney compare to the Nebraska state average for teacher (k-12) pay? ▼
Kearney's median teacher (k-12) salary of $53,053 is 4.4% below the Nebraska state average of $55,521. 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 teacher (k-12) salary of $53,053 in Kearney has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a teacher (k-12) in Kearney? ▼
Most teacher (k-12) positions in Kearney require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Lesson Planning, Classroom Management, Assessment, Differentiated Instruction. The job market is projected to grow 1% nationally over the next decade.