Accountant in Kearney, NE

The Salary Picture: Where Kearney Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Kearney’s accounting salaries are solid for the region, but they don’t quite hit the national average. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local job market data paint a clear picture: the median salary for Accountants and Auditors in the Kearney metro area is $83,600/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.19. This is slightly below the national average of $86,080/year. While the difference isn't massive, it's notable, especially when you factor in Nebraska's overall low cost of living.

This salary range is heavily influenced by Kearney’s unique position as a regional hub. It’s not a sprawling metropolis like Omaha or Lincoln, but it’s the economic heart of central Nebraska, anchored by the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK). This creates a steady demand for accountants in education, healthcare, and local government, but the opportunities for top-tier corporate finance roles at Fortune 500 companies are limited. There are approximately 68 accounting jobs available in the metro area at any given time, a small but stable market.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the Kearney area:

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Employers Targeting This Level
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$55,000 - $68,000	Local CPA firms (e.g., Wall, Korf & Co.), UNK, regional banks
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$70,000 - $85,000	All major local employers, some regional firms
Senior/Manager	8-15 years	$85,000 - $105,000	CHI Health Good Samaritan, Kearney County Hospital, larger regional firms
Expert/Director	15+ years	$105,000+	Hospital administrators, university finance directors, firm partners

When compared to other Nebraska cities, Kearney sits in the middle. Omaha and Lincoln, with their larger corporate headquarters and higher cost of living, offer higher median salaries (often in the $90k+ range). However, cities like Grand Island or North Platte have similar or slightly lower salaries. The key takeaway is that Kearney’s salary is competitive within Nebraska, offering a strong purchasing power advantage due to the lower cost of living.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about what an accountant earning the median $83,600 can actually afford in Kearney. Nebraska has a progressive state income tax, and federal taxes will take a significant chunk. After federal, state, FICA, and local taxes, your take-home pay will be approximately $62,000 - $65,000 annually, or about $5,166 - $5,416 per month.

Housing is where Kearney truly shines. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is just $678/month. This leaves a substantial portion of your monthly budget for other expenses, savings, and recreation.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single accountant earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$5,250	After taxes (conservative estimate)
Rent (1BR avg)	$678	Can range from $600-$800 depending on location
Utilities	$150 - $200	Includes electricity, gas, water, internet
Groceries	$350 - $400	Kearney has affordable grocery stores like Hy-Vee and Walmart
Car Payment/Insurance	$350 - $500	Essential for life in Nebraska; insurance rates are moderate
Fuel	$120 - $150	Low gas prices help; commute distances are short
Health Insurance	$200 - $350	Varies widely by employer plan
Retirement Savings (10%)	$697	$83,600 annual salary / 12 months / 10%
Discretionary Spending	$2,145 - $2,755	Left for dining out, entertainment, travel, etc.
Net Savings/Debt Paydown	$1,500+	Significant capacity for financial goals

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With such low rent and a strong salary, saving for a down payment is very achievable. The median home price in Kearney is approximately $220,000. A 20% down payment is $44,000. At the estimated savings rate above, an accountant could potentially save this amount in 2-3 years with disciplined budgeting. A monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) for a $220k home would likely be between $1,200-$1,400, which is still very manageable on this salary.

Where the Jobs Are: Kearney's Major Employers

The accounting job market in Kearney is stable, with a few dominant sectors. Hiring is consistent but not explosive—most positions are filled through internal promotions or local networking. Here are the key players:

1. CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital: The largest employer in the region. They have a dedicated finance department, hiring staff accountants, revenue cycle analysts, and financial managers. They offer strong benefits and are a key player in the local healthcare economy. Hiring trends are steady, driven by ongoing expansions and the need for compliance in healthcare finance.

2. University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK): As a major public university, UNK requires a full accounting team for its multi-million dollar budget. Positions range from grant accountants to budget analysts to controllers. Jobs here are highly stable, with excellent benefits (including tuition remission). They often post jobs on the state careers site.

3. Kearney County Hospital (Community Hospital): A critical employer in the rural healthcare network. They hire accountants familiar with hospital billing, Medicare/Medicaid reimbursements, and rural health finance grants. It’s a great spot for someone wanting public accounting experience within a hospital setting.

4. Central Nebraska Regional Airport (GRI): As a growing regional airport, it requires financial oversight for its operations, capital projects, and federal grants. This is a niche but stable government-related accounting role.

5. Local CPA Firms & Banks: The backbone of the private sector. Firms like Wall, Korf & Co., Cripe & Associates, and Lutz & Co. (regional firm) hire junior accountants for tax and audit work. Banks like First National Bank of Kearney and Union Bank & Trust have branches and regional offices that need financial analysts and internal auditors. Hiring here is closely tied to the agricultural and small business cycle.

Insider Tip: Many positions, especially at UNK and the hospital, are posted on the Nebraska State Jobs website (statecareers.ne.gov). For private firms, checking their websites directly or connecting with a local recruiter is key.

Getting Licensed in NE

To practice as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Nebraska, you must be licensed by the Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance. The path is standardized but requires diligence.

Requirements:

1. Education: A bachelor’s degree (or higher) with 150 semester hours from an accredited institution. This typically means a 5-year accounting program or a 4-year degree with a master’s. Kearney’s UNK offers a well-regarded accounting program to meet these requirements.
2. Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG). You can sit for the exam in the state.
3. Experience: You need one year (2,000 hours) of qualifying experience in accounting, auditing, or tax under the supervision of a licensed CPA. This can be public accounting, industry, or government.
4. Ethics Exam: Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam.

Timeline & Costs:

• Education (4-5 years): Tuition at UNK for in-state students is approximately $8,000-$10,000 per year. Out-of-state is higher.
• CPA Exam Fees: ~$1,500 total for all four sections (varies by state).
• Application/Licensing Fees: ~$250-$350 for the initial application and license.
• Ethics Exam Fee: ~$150-$200.
• Study Materials: Can range from $1,500 to $3,000 (e.g., Becker, Roger, Wiley).

Insider Tip: Many local firms offer tuition reimbursement or CPA exam bonus incentives. It’s a key question to ask during an interview. Once licensed, you must complete 40 hours of CPE (Continuing Professional Education) every two years to maintain your license.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Kearney is a compact city, and commute times are rarely an issue. Your choice of neighborhood will depend more on lifestyle than job proximity. Here’s a local’s guide:

1. Downtown Kearney: The heart of the action. You’ll be within walking distance of local restaurants, boutiques, and the historic World Theatre. Most professional offices are in or near downtown. Rent for a 1BR is slightly higher, around $750-$850, but the walkability and vibe are unmatched. Ideal for young professionals who want to be near the social scene.
2. South Kearney / The Avenues: This is the classic, family-friendly neighborhood with tree-lined streets, older homes, and a quiet community feel. It’s a short 5-10 minute drive to downtown or the hospital. Rent is very affordable, often $600-$725 for a 1BR. Perfect for those who value a peaceful residential setting.
3. North Kearney (near UNK): Popular with students and young professionals due to its proximity to the university and its amenities. You’ll find newer apartment complexes and townhomes. Rent is moderate, around $650-$750. Commute to downtown or the hospital is still easy (10-15 minutes). The area is lively, especially during the academic year.
4. West Kearney: This area is growing, with newer subdivisions and commercial development. It’s a bit further from downtown but has easy access to the I-80 interchange for regional travel. Rent here is comparable to other areas, $675-$800. It’s a great choice if you prefer a more modern home or apartment with a bit more space.
5. East Kearney: Primarily residential and quiet, with a mix of older and newer homes. It’s very close to the hospital and the airport. Rent is on the lower end, $600-$700. This is a practical, no-frills area for someone who prioritizes a short commute to one of the major employers.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Kearney, career growth for accountants is more about depth and specialization than climbing a corporate ladder. The 10-year job growth projection for accountants nationally is 4%, which is slower than average, and this trend holds true in Kearney. However, stability is high, and there are clear paths for advancement.

Specialty Premiums:

• Healthcare Accounting: There is a premium for accountants with experience in hospital revenue cycle, Medicare reimbursement, and healthcare grants. This expertise is in high demand at CHI Health and Kearney County Hospital.
• Non-Profit & Government Accounting: Expertise in fund accounting, grant management, and compliance (GASB) is valuable for UNK, the airport, and local government entities.
• Tax Specialization: While generalists are needed, those who specialize in complex corporate tax, international tax, or high-net-worth individual tax (serving local business owners) can command higher fees or salaries within a CPA firm.

Advancement Paths:

• Public Accounting: Staff Accountant → Senior Accountant → Manager → Partner/Principal. This is a long-term path in local firms, with partnership being a realistic goal for top performers.
• Industry (Hospital/University): Staff Accountant → Senior Accountant → Accounting Manager → Controller → Director of Finance. This path offers increasing responsibility and strategic influence within a large local organization.
• Government: Accountant → Senior Accountant → Finance Director. This path offers excellent job security and benefits.

Insider Tip: The key to long-term growth in Kearney is networking within the local business community. Join the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce, attend UNK’s business school events, and build relationships with professionals at other major employers. Many opportunities are never posted publicly.

The Verdict: Is Kearney Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Exceptional Cost of Living: You can live very comfortably on the median salary.	Limited Large Corporate Presence: Few Fortune 500 HQs, which caps the ceiling for some high-earning specialties.
Stable Job Market: Government, healthcare, and education provide recession-resistant employment.	Smaller Job Market: Fewer openings mean less frequent job changes; you may need to wait for the right role.
Strong Sense of Community: Easy to build a professional and personal network.	Long-Term Growth is Modest: The 10-year growth projection of 4% indicates a stable but not booming market.
Short Commutes & Easy Lifestyle: More time for hobbies and family.	Conservative Culture: The social and professional scene is less diverse and dynamic than a major metro.
Proximity to Nature & Recreation: Easy access to hunting, fishing, and outdoor activities.	Dependence on Major Employers: The health of the job market is tied closely to a few large institutions.

Final Recommendation:
Kearney is an outstanding choice for accountants who prioritize work-life balance, financial stability, and a strong community over the fast-paced, high-stress environment of a major financial center. It’s ideal for early-career professionals looking to get their CPA experience in a supportive environment, mid-career accountants seeking a change of pace, or those planning to start a family. If you’re driven by the goal of maximizing salary above all else, Omaha or Lincoln might be a better fit. But if you want a high quality of life where your income stretches far, Kearney is a hidden gem.

FAQs

Q: Is the cost of living really as low as they say?
A: Yes. The Cost of Living Index of 90.4 (US avg = 100) is accurate. Groceries, utilities, and especially housing are significantly cheaper than in coastal cities or even other Nebraska metros. You will feel the difference immediately.

Q: How important is it to have a CPA license in Kearney?
A: It’s a major advantage. While staff accountant roles may not require it, most senior, managerial, and leadership positions (especially at CPA firms and as a Controller) will. It’s the key to unlocking higher salaries ($85k+) and more advanced roles.

Q: What’s the culture like at local employers like UNK and the hospital?
A: Generally very stable, team-oriented, and community-focused. There’s a strong sense of institutional pride. It can be more formal than a startup but offers incredible job security and benefits. The pace is methodical rather than frantic.

Q: Are there opportunities for remote work?
A: It’s growing, but not the norm. Some regional CPA firms or employers may offer hybrid schedules. However, Kearney’s low cost of living can offset the need for a higher remote salary. It’s a good idea to ask about remote work flexibility in interviews, but be prepared for an in-office or hybrid role.

Q: How does the job market for accountants compare to other professions in Kearney?
A: Accountants are in steady demand, but not the highest in-demand field. Healthcare, education, and skilled trades (like plumbing, electrical) also have strong local demand. The accounting field is professional and well-compensated, but with a smaller number of openings than in more populous areas.