Agriculture & Environment Kearney, NE Pop. 33,464

Zoologist Salary in Kearney, Nebraska

The median zoologist salary in Kearney, NE is $58,678 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$58,678
vs State Avg
$-2,729
vs National
$-9,552
Cost of Living
86%

Zoologist Pay in Kearney: What to Expect (2026)

Kearney offers a median zoologist salary of $58,678, which is $2,729 below the Nebraska state average of $61,407. Compared to the national median of $68,230, 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 $58,678 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $68,230 in an average-cost city. This makes Kearney an attractive option for zoologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for zoologists in Kearney spans from $36,120 at the 10th percentile to $96,320 at the 90th percentile — a $60,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,700, while senior zoologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $90,300. Kearney is a smaller market (pop. 33,464), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Zoologist Salary in Kearney by Experience

In Kearney, an entry-level zoologist earns around $38,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $90,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,700
$-6,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$60,200
$-9,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$90,300
$-14,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kearney, NE

Percentile Kearney
10th Percentile $36,120
25th Percentile $46,440
Median (50th) $58,678
75th Percentile $77,400
90th Percentile $96,320

Zoologist Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$63,454
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$62,772
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$61,407
Pop. 291,082
Grand Island, NE
$57,313
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Zoologist in Kearney

Education

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

Key Skills

Wildlife BiologyField ResearchData AnalysisGISScientific WritingConservation

Job Outlook

Nationally, zoologist 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 Zoologist Jobs in Kearney

Browse open zoologist positions in Kearney, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Zoologist Salary in Kearney

How much does a Zoologist make in Kearney, NE? ▼
The median zoologist salary in Kearney, Nebraska is $58,678 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $68,230. Salaries range from $36,120 (10th percentile) to $96,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a Zoologist make per hour in Kearney? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $58,678, a zoologist in Kearney earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kearney compare to the Nebraska state average for zoologist pay? ▼
Kearney's median zoologist salary of $58,678 is 4.4% below the Nebraska state average of $61,407. 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 zoologist salary of $58,678 in Kearney has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a zoologist in Kearney? ▼
Most zoologist positions in Kearney require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Wildlife Biology, Field Research, Data Analysis, GIS. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.