Kearney vs Lincoln: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Kearney, NE and Lincoln, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kearney, NE | Lincoln, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $147,301▲ | $106,061 |
| Hourly Rate | $70.82▲ | $50.99 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,435▲ | $69,071 |
| 25th Percentile | $106,057▲ | $83,760 |
| 75th Percentile | $188,546▲ | $140,602 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $228,317▲ | $183,717 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 820▲ |
Verdict
Kearney, NE offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lincoln.
The salary gap between Kearney and Lincoln is $41,240 (38.88%). Kearney's median is -11.89% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kearney spans $142,882,Lincoln spans $114,646. 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, Kearney ($160,985 effective) pays 39.01% more than Lincoln ($115,811 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kearney if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($147,301/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($228,317)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $160,985)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Lincoln if…
- ✓Larger job market (820 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Kearney grew 35.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.7% growth in Lincoln over the same period.
Kearney, NE
$103,973 (2024) → $140,689 (2025)
Lincoln, NE
$83,270 (2019) → $101,300 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kearney, NE
Lincoln, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Alexandra Chen, JD
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in corporate law. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Alexandra works at a mid-sized law firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.70% 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 Alexandra Chen, JD, a licensed lawyer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov