Kearney vs Omaha: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber 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 | $57,633 | $64,998▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.71 | $31.25▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,777 | $47,887▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $47,003 | $50,378▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $73,769 | $95,149▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $89,331 | $101,023▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 2,430▲ |
Verdict
Omaha, NE offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kearney.
The salary gap between Kearney and Omaha is $7,365 (12.78%). Omaha's median is -0.63% compared to the US national median of $65,408.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kearney spans $46,554,Omaha spans $53,136. Omaha has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced plumbers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Omaha ($70,718 effective) pays 12.27% more than Kearney ($62,987 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kearney if…
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Omaha if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,998/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($101,023)
- ✓Larger job market (2,430 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,718)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Kearney grew 10.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -6.9% growth in Omaha over the same period.
Kearney, NE
$51,105 (2024) → $56,216 (2025)
Omaha, NE
$68,130 (2019) → $63,400 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kearney, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays plumbers more: Kearney or Omaha?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kearney and Omaha?
Should I relocate from Kearney to Omaha as a plumber?
What do entry-level plumbers earn in Kearney vs Omaha?
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.52% 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 Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov