Carpenter in Kearney, NE

The Salary Picture: Where Kearney Stands

If you're a carpenter evaluating Kearney, the first thing you need to know is the local financial landscape. The median salary for a carpenter in the Kearney metro area is $55,280/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.58/hour. This figure is slightly below the national average for carpenters, which sits at $56,920/year. The job market here is niche, with approximately 68 carpenter jobs currently advertised in the metro. Over the last decade, the sector has seen a modest 5% job growth, indicating stable but not explosive demand.

To understand where you fit in, here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to earn at different career stages in Kearney:

Experience-Level Earnings Breakdown

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary (Kearney)	Hourly Equivalent	Notes
Entry-Level	$42,000 - $48,000	$20.19 - $23.08	Often starts with smaller crews or apprenticeships.
Mid-Career	$52,000 - $60,000	$25.00 - $28.85	Aligns with the local median. Requires solid independent skills.
Senior	$60,000 - $72,000	$28.85 - $34.62	Project leads, finish carpentry experts, or specialized skills.
Expert/Owner	$72,000+	$34.62+	Business owners, master carpenters with a strong local reputation.

Insider Tip: The leap from mid-career to senior-level pay in Kearney is often tied to specialization. General framing and rough carpentry hover around the median, while expertise in high-end finish work, historical restoration, or commercial projects can push you into the higher brackets. The 68 available jobs skew toward residential remodels and small commercial builds, which favors versatile carpenters.

Comparison to Other Nebraska Cities

Kearney’s wages are competitive within the state but are surpassed by larger hubs. Here’s how it stacks up against other Nebraska metros:

City	Median Salary (Carpenter)	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)
Kearney	$55,280	90.4
Omaha	$60,500+	92.5
Lincoln	$58,000+	93.1
Grand Island	$52,000	85.2

Omaha and Lincoln offer higher nominal salaries but come with a higher cost of living. Grand Island, similar in size to Kearney, pays less. Kearney’s value proposition is its affordability paired with a mid-level wage, making your $55,280 go further than in Omaha or Lincoln.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your budget. With a gross annual salary of $55,280, your take-home pay in Nebraska will be approximately $41,800 - $43,500 per year after federal taxes, FICA, and state income taxes (assuming single filer, standard deduction). This translates to a monthly net income of about $3,480 - $3,625.

The average 1-bedroom apartment in Kearney rents for $678/month. This is a critical advantage.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Carpenter at Median Salary)

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Percentage of Net Income
Rent (1BR)	$678	19-20%
Utilities	$150	4-5%
Groceries	$300	8-9%
Transportation	$350	10%
Tools/Insurance	$100	3%
Savings/Retirement	$500	14-15%
Discretionary	$1,000	28-30%
Total	$3,078	~88%

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The U.S. median home price is around $400,000, but in Kearney, you can find solid 3-bedroom homes in good neighborhoods for $200,000 - $275,000. With the $55,280 salary, a 20% down payment ($40,000-$55,000) is achievable with disciplined savings over 5-7 years. A more common route is an FHA loan (3.5% down), requiring only $7,000 - $9,625 upfront. Monthly mortgage payments, including taxes and insurance, would likely be between $1,000 - $1,300, which is manageable on your net income. Kearney is a buyers' market for tradespeople, not a rental trap.

Where the Jobs Are: Kearney's Major Employers

The 68 carpenter jobs aren't evenly distributed. They cluster around specific sectors and employers. Here are the key players for carpenters in Kearney:

1. Rogers Development & Construction: A major local general contractor specializing in commercial projects (banks, medical clinics, retail). They frequently hire carpenters for framing and finish work. Hiring is steady, often posted on their website rather than national boards.
2. Kearney Custom Homes: Focuses on high-end residential builds and major remodels. This is a prime spot for finish carpenters with an eye for detail. They value long-term relationships with skilled trades.
3. Bassett & Company: A local lumber and building materials supplier that also offers installation services. They often need carpenters for their installation crews, providing a stable, company-driven workload.
4. University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK): The university's physical plant and facilities management department hires carpenters for building maintenance, furniture repair, and small construction projects. State benefits are a major perk.
5. Kearney Regional Medical Center: While not a constant source of new construction, their facilities team needs carpenters for remodels, clinic updates, and maintenance. This offers a more regulated, professional work environment.
6. Local Home Builders & Remodelers Association: While not an employer, this network is critical. Connecting with members like Pioneer Builders or Kearney Remodeling is often the fastest way to find project-based work or join a small crew.
7. City of Kearney - Public Works: Handles municipal projects, from park structures to infrastructure. These jobs are posted on the city's official website and offer great job security and benefits.

Hiring Trends: Demand is strongest from May to September. Most hiring is local and word-of-mouth. A personal visit to a job site often yields better results than a resume submission. Remote work is non-existent; this is a hands-on trade.

Getting Licensed in NE

Nebraska does not have a statewide mandatory licensure for individual carpenters for general work. However, for specific projects, credentials are required.

• State Requirements: You do not need a state-level "Carpenter's License" to work on residential homes. However, if you bid on projects over $2,000 or work on commercial projects, you will need to work under a licensed General Contractor (GC).
• To Operate Your Own Business: If you want to start a carpentry business, you must obtain a Nebraska General Contractor's License through the Nebraska Department of Labor. This requires:
  • Proof of at least 4 years of experience.
  • Passing a business and law exam.
  • A surety bond ($5,000 - $10,000 range).
  • Estimated application and exam fees: $300 - $500.
• Timeline: The process can take 2-4 months from application to license issuance. Many carpenters start by working under an existing GC while building their experience for the license.
• Key Resource: The Nebraska Department of Labor website is your primary source for contractor licensing applications and exams. For apprenticeship pathways, check with the Central Nebraska Building Trades Council.

Best Neighborhoods for Carpenters

Your location in Kearney can impact your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here are four prime areas:

1. West Kearney (Near Kearney High & Mall area):

   • Vibe: Established, family-friendly, with good access to schools and shopping.
   • Commute: Easy access to major employers like Rogers and Bassett, which are often on the west side.
   • Rent Estimate: $650 - $750/month for a 1BR. Home prices range $220,000 - $300,000.
   • Why: Central location. You're never more than a 10-15 minute drive from anywhere in town.

2. East Kearney (Near UNK & Hospital):

   • Vibe: Slightly more academic, with a mix of student rentals and established homes.
   • Commute: Ideal for UNK or Kearney Regional Medical Center positions. A bit farther from the major construction hubs on the west side.
   • Rent Estimate: $600 - $700/month for a 1BR. Home prices range $180,000 - $250,000.
   • Why: More affordable housing stock. A good balance if you work for the university or medical center.

3. South Kearney (Newer Developments):

   • Vibe: Modern, with new construction homes and apartment complexes. Popular with young families.
   • Commute: Good access to the highway (US-30) for traveling to neighboring towns for work.
   • Rent Estimate: $700 - $800/month for a 1BR. Home prices start at $250,000+.
   • Why: If you want a newer home and don't mind being on the edge of town, this is your best bet.

4. Downtown Kearney:

   • Vibe: Historic, walkable, with a growing scene of shops and restaurants. More rental apartments than single-family homes.
   • Commute: Very short to the city center and some commercial projects. Driving to the west side is a 10-minute trip.
   • Rent Estimate: $550 - $650/month for a 1BR apartment. Home prices are higher due to historic value.
   • Why: For those who want a vibrant, walkable lifestyle and don't need a lot of square space.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With 5% projected growth over the next 10 years, steady advancement is possible if you specialize.

• Specialty Premiums:
  • Finish Carpentry: Expect a 10-15% premium over the median salary. The eye for detail is rare and valuable.
  • Cabinetmaking: Can command an extra $3-$5/hour. There's a niche market for custom cabinets in new homes and remodels.
  • Commercial Carpentry: Often pays more than residential due to union involvement and stricter deadlines. Can push earnings toward the senior level faster.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Journeyman to Lead Carpenter: Gains responsibility for a crew and project management.
  2. Lead Carpenter to Project Manager: Shifts to office work, scheduling, and client relations (requires strong organizational skills).
  3. Carpenter to Business Owner: The ultimate path, leveraging your skills to start your own contracting firm. This is where top earners in Kearney reside.
  4. Instruction & Training: Another path is moving into teaching at a local trade school like Central Community College in Hastings (commutable), which offers stability and benefits.
• 10-Year Outlook: The outlook is stable. Kearney's growth is tied to the university and healthcare sectors, which will provide steady demand for construction and renovation. The key to growth is adaptability—being willing to learn new materials (like advanced composites) and methods (like energy-efficient building).

The Verdict: Is Kearney Right for You?

Kearney is not a high-flying metropolis, but for a carpenter, it can be a fantastic place to build a life and career. The decision hinges on your priorities.

Pros	Cons
High Affordability: Your $55,280 salary provides a comfortable lifestyle and homeownership is achievable.	Limited Job Volume: Only 68 jobs means fewer openings and more competition for top projects.
Stable Market: A 5% growth rate and presence of major employers (UNK, Hospital) ensure steady demand.	Lower Ceiling: Top-end earnings are capped compared to Omaha or Lincoln.
Strong Community: Easy to build a network and reputation; your work is your best advertisement.	Slower Pace: Fewer large-scale commercial projects; work can be seasonal.
Great Location: Central to Nebraska, easy access to outdoor recreation (Platte River, trails).	Fewer Specialty Niches: Less demand for ultra-high-end or avant-garde carpentry.

Final Recommendation: Kearney is an excellent choice for a carpenter who values work-life balance, affordability, and community. It's ideal for mid-career tradespeople looking to buy a home and establish a life, or for those who want to eventually run their own small business. It's less ideal for those seeking rapid career acceleration or working in highly specialized, niche fields.

FAQs

1. Is the carpenter job market in Kearney seasonal?
Yes, to a degree. The 68 jobs are most plentiful from spring through fall, aligning with the construction season. Winter can be slower, with more focus on indoor remodels and maintenance. However, employers like the University and Hospital provide more year-round stability.

2. What's the best way to find carpentry jobs in Kearney?
Don't rely solely on online job boards. The most effective method is to drive by active construction sites (look for signs from Rogers Development or Kearney Custom Homes) and ask for the foreman. Also, visit Bassett & Company in person; they're a hub for local trade information. Networking at the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce events is also valuable.

3. Do I need my own tools to work as a carpenter in Kearney?
For entry-level positions on a crew, the company often provides larger power tools (saws, drills). However, you are expected to provide your own basic hand tools (hammer, tape measure, chisels, etc.). As you advance or work as a subcontractor, you will need a full set of professional tools and a reliable vehicle or trailer.

4. How does the cost of living compare to the national average?
With a Cost of Living Index of 90.4 (US avg = 100), Kearney is 9.6% cheaper than the national average. This is a significant advantage. Your $55,280 salary in Kearney has the purchasing power of a $61,200 salary nationally. The biggest savings are in housing and transportation.

5. Can a carpenter with a General Contractor license make significantly more?
Yes, substantially. A licensed GC in Kearney can bid on larger projects and take a percentage of the total contract value. While their personal labor rate may be the same ($26.58/hr), their business revenue can be multiples of that. However, this comes with the responsibilities of business management, insurance, and liability. Many successful GCs in Kearney started as journeymen carpenters.