Plumber Salary in Kearney, NE: $57,633 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Kearney, NE earns a median $57,633/year (≈ $27.71/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Kearney's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $62,987 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.7% below the Nebraska state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kearney, Nebraska, the projected median annual plumber salary is $57,633 for 2026, which reflects a difference of almost 11.89% compared to the national median of $65,408. The salary range spans from $42,777 at the lower end (P10) to $89,331 at the upper echelon (P90), showcasing the potential for substantial earnings within this trade. These figures are derived from recent BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost factors. A notable distinction in Kearney's market is the prevailing pay dynamics between union pipefitters and non-union service plumbers, where the former typically commands a premium for their specialized skills. This pay gap emphasizes the value of union affiliation in a competitive job landscape, indicating a strong need for skilled labor, especially considering Kearney's aging workforce in the plumbing industry.
About the Kearney Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,777 | $20.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,003 | $22.60 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,633 | $27.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,769 | $35.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89,331 | $42.95 |
Median Salary Position
11.89% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kearney
In Kearney, NE, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,554 (2026 est.). At $57,633, the local median is 11.89% below the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kearney: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kearney Plumber Pay Compares
Kearney median: $57,633/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kearney Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Average | $59,847 | -3.70% less |
| National Average | $65,408 | -11.89% less |
Plumbers in Kearney, NE earn a median of $57,633 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.89% lower than the national median of $65,408 and 3.70% below the Nebraska state average of $59,847.
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 plumber earning $57,633 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $62,987 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,603
2025 BLS Actual
$56,216
2026 Current Est.
$57,633
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Kearney (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,603 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,634 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,762 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,947 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,233 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,105 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,216 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,633 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,085 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kearney metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 15.7% from $48,603 (2019) to $56,216 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,085 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,482 (21.57%) 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 2.52% 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) | $42,777 – $47,003 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,003 – $57,633 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,633 – $73,769 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,769 – $89,331 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Kearney
Analyzing the local job market, Kearney employs just nine plumbers, pointing to a niche yet crucial workforce that supports both residential and industrial needs. With a cost of living index of 91.5, the effective purchasing power for plumbers tends to favor those with union affiliations, as they typically enjoy higher wages and better benefits. Union plumbing contractors, particularly those affiliated with the United Association, often offer the highest salaries, in stark contrast to non-union contractors and large service companies like Roto-Rooter and ARS/Rescue Rooter that operate on commission. Additionally, specialties such as medical gas installation or backflow prevention can elevate earning potential significantly. To maximize pay in Kearney, plumbers should consider obtaining advanced certifications, seeking opportunities in industries that require specialized skills, and leveraging the benefits of union membership to secure higher-paying positions.
More salary data for Kearney, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Samuel Torres, CWP
Career Analyst
Samuel Torres has 10 years of experience in plumbing. He specializes in residential plumbing systems. He has worked with several home improvement companies.
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 $56,216 for plumbersin the Kearney metropolitan area. A 2.52% 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 2.52%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for plumbers (SOC 47-2152).
Compiled and verified by Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov