Kearney vs Omaha: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Kearney, NE and Omaha, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kearney, NE | Omaha, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,205 | $82,737▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $33.27 | $39.78▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,473 | $65,175▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $55,830 | $72,163▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $88,091 | $98,123▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,224▲ | $98,123 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 1,640▲ |
Verdict
Omaha, NE offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kearney.
The salary gap between Kearney and Omaha is $13,532 (19.55%). Omaha's median is +5.34% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kearney spans $55,751,Omaha spans $32,948. Kearney has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Omaha ($90,019 effective) pays 19.02% more than Kearney ($75,634 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kearney if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($102,224)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Omaha if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($82,737/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,640 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $90,019)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Kearney grew 22.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 16.7% growth in Omaha over the same period.
Kearney, NE
$54,630 (2024) → $67,150 (2025)
Omaha, NE
$68,770 (2019) → $80,280 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kearney, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Kearney or Omaha?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kearney and Omaha?
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Written by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in law enforcement. They specialize in community policing strategies. Jordan works with a municipal police department.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice, a licensed police officer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov