Electrician Salary in Kearney, NE: $56,858 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrician in Kearney, NE earns a median $56,858/year (≈ $27.34/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2111). Once you factor in Kearney's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $62,140 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.7% below the Nebraska state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kearney, Nebraska, electricians can expect to earn a median salary of $56,858 in 2026, which is significantly lower than the projected national median of $64,530. The salary range for electricians in the area varies from $41,193 at the lower end to $88,131 at the upper end, reflecting the diverse opportunities available based on experience and specialization. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local economic conditions and cost of living. In Kearney, the influence of the IBEW union is notable, often leading to substantial pay differences as union contractors typically offer better salaries and benefits compared to non-union employers. Those considering entering the electrician field in this region should take into account the competitive landscape shaped by both union and non-union practices.
About the Kearney Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,193 | $19.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,115 | $22.17 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,858 | $27.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,779 | $34.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,131 | $42.37 |
Median Salary Position
11.89% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kearney
In Kearney, NE, the electrician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,938 (2026 est.). At $56,858, the local median is 11.89% below the national median of $64,530.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kearney: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kearney Electrician Pay Compares
Kearney median: $56,858/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kearney Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Average | $59,043 | -3.70% less |
| National Average | $64,530 | -11.89% less |
Electricians in Kearney, NE earn a median of $56,858 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.89% lower than the national median of $64,530 and 3.70% below the Nebraska state average of $59,043.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kearney has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kearney, NE has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A electrician earning $56,858 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $62,140 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,501
2025 BLS Actual
$55,678
2026 Current Est.
$56,858
2019–2027 Growth
+17.3%
Salary Trajectory for Electricians in Kearney (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,501 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,136 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,902 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,079 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,268 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,867 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,678 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,858 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,064 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kearney metropolitan area, the median electrician salary grew 12.5% from $49,501 (2019) to $55,678 (2025). At a 2.12% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $58,064 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,563 (17.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kearney metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.12% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $41,193 – $46,115 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,115 – $56,858 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,858 – $72,779 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,779 – $88,131 |
ELEC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrician Job Market in Kearney
Looking at the job market, Kearney employs a modest number of electricians, with only nine individuals currently working in this trade. The city’s cost of living index is relatively low at 91.5, suggesting that the purchasing power for electricians can be favorable despite the lower salary range. Union electrical contractors, particularly IBEW signatories, tend to provide the highest pay, especially for commercial and industrial projects, which significantly contribute to overall compensation. Roles in specialty areas like industrial controls and renewable energy, particularly solar installations, command higher wages due to increased demand. Factors such as having advanced licenses, specializing in high-demand sectors, and taking advantage of overtime opportunities can help electricians maximize their earnings in Kearney. Thus, pursuing further education and training in these niches will be essential for those wanting to increase their electrician pay in Kearney, NE.
More salary data for Kearney, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Samuel Carter, Career Analyst
Career Analyst
Samuel Carter has over 10 years of experience as an electrician. His focus includes residential wiring and safety standards. He has worked in various construction firms.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $55,678 for electriciansin the Kearney metropolitan area. A 2.12% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kearney is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.12%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for electricians (SOC 47-2111).
Compiled and verified by Samuel Carter, Career Analyst, a licensed electrician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov