Financial Analyst in Kearney, NE

Of course. Here is a comprehensive career guide for Financial Analysts in Kearney, NE, written from a local's perspective with the required data and structure.

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The Salary Picture: Where Kearney Stands

Kearney has a unique position in the Nebraska financial landscape. It’s not a banking hub like Omaha, but its strong presence in logistics, manufacturing, and healthcare creates steady demand for financial analysts who can dig into operational data. The pay reflects this: it’s solid for the region and the cost of living, but you won’t be chasing the high-end salaries of a coastal city.

Let’s get straight to the numbers. The median salary for a Financial Analyst in the Kearney metro is $96,158/year, with an hourly rate of $46.23/hour. This sits slightly below the national average of $99,010/year, which is expected for a lower-cost-of-living area. The key here isn’t the national comparison—it’s the purchasing power you gain locally. With 68 job openings in the metro and a respectable 10-year job growth of 9%, the market is stable and growing at a modest, sustainable pace.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the Kearney market. These are estimates based on local job postings and data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for the region.

Experience Level	Estimated Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$65,000 - $80,000
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$85,000 - $110,000
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$110,000 - $140,000
Expert/Manager	15+ years	$135,000+

When comparing to other Nebraska cities, Kearney holds a respectable spot. Lincoln and Omaha offer higher top-end salaries and more specialized roles (like investment banking or corporate M&A), but competition is fiercer and the cost of living is significantly higher. In Grand Island or North Platte, you might see slightly lower salaries for similar roles. Kearney’s sweet spot is for analysts who value a balanced lifestyle, a short commute, and the ability to own a home without struggling.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary number is just a starting point. The real question is what your money can do for you in Kearney. With a cost of living index of 90.4 (well below the U.S. average of 100) and an average one-bedroom rent of just $678/month, your paycheck stretches significantly further here.

Let’s break down a monthly budget for a Financial Analyst earning the median $96,158/year. This assumes a single filer with standard deductions, contributing 5% to a 401(k), and paying for health insurance.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$8,013	($96,158 / 12)
Federal & State Taxes	-$1,750	Estimate includes NE income tax (5.15% top bracket)
401(k) Contribution (5%)	-$401	Pre-tax
Health Insurance	-$150	Employer-subsidized
Take-Home Pay (Net)	~$5,712	This is your actual cash to budget.
Rent (1BR, Average)	-$678	Could be higher in a premium location
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	-$200	Kearney winters are cold; heating is a factor
Car Payment/Insurance	-$500	Assuming a modest car note and full coverage
Groceries & Household	-$400
Health & Wellness (Gym, etc.)	-$75
Entertainment & Dining	-$400	Plenty of local options from the Rialto to downtown bars
Miscellaneous Savings	-$500	For vacations, hobbies, etc.
Remaining Buffer	~$1,459

This leaves you with a very healthy cushion of over $1,400 each month for additional savings, paying down student loans, or investing. That’s the power of Kearney’s affordability.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in the Kearney area is around $225,000 - $250,000. With your strong take-home pay and the low cost of living, a 20% down payment ($45,000-$50,000) is an achievable goal within a few years of saving. A monthly mortgage payment, including taxes and insurance, would likely be in the $1,200 - $1,400 range—often not much more than renting a nice apartment. This is a major draw for professionals looking to build equity.

Where the Jobs Are: Kearney's Major Employers

Kearney’s economy is a mix of large national corporations, strong regional healthcare, and a growing education sector. Financial analysts here don’t typically work for hedge funds; they work for companies that make things, move things, and take care of people.

1. TierOne Bank (Headquarters): As one of the largest locally headquartered banks in the state, TierOne is a primary employer for commercial lenders, credit analysts, and internal financial reporting roles. They have a deep need for analysts who understand the local agricultural and small business landscape. Hiring trends here are stable, with openings for mid-career professionals.
2. Buffalo County Community Hospital (BCH): Part of the Bryan Health network, BCH is a major medical center. The finance department is large and requires analysts for budgeting, revenue cycle analysis, and capital expenditure planning. The healthcare sector is recession-proof, making this a very secure employer. They often hire entry-level and mid-level analysts with strong Excel and data visualization skills.
3. Macy’s (Fulfillment Center): Kearney is a massive logistics hub, and the Macy’s fulfillment center is a cornerstone. This operation runs on data. Financial analysts here work on supply chain cost analysis, logistics efficiency reporting, and operational budgeting. It’s a fast-paced, data-heavy environment that looks for analysts with operations experience.
4. University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK): The university is a significant employer with a dedicated finance and planning office. Roles here involve analyzing enrollment data, managing departmental budgets, and forecasting university revenue. The pace is different from corporate life, but the work is complex and impactful. It’s a great option for those who value stability and a great work-life balance.
5. Becton Dickinson (BD): This global medical technology company has a significant manufacturing presence in Kearney. The local plant requires financial analysts to manage cost accounting, plant profitability, and capital project analysis. It’s a great stepping stone for someone interested in corporate finance within a multinational corporation.
6. Kearney Regional Airport & Economic Development Council: While smaller, both entities require analytical support for budgeting, grant writing, and economic impact studies. These roles are often tied to public sector or public-private partnership work and can be a good fit for analysts interested in community development.

Insider Tip: Many of these employers prefer candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field. A CPA or CMA designation is a huge plus for roles at BD or the hospital. For the bank, experience with commercial lending software and regulatory reporting is key.

Getting Licensed in NE

For most corporate financial analyst roles in Kearney, a state license is not required. However, certain specializations do have specific requirements.

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA): If you’re moving into a senior accounting or controller role, you’ll likely need your CPA. To sit for the exam in Nebraska, you need 150 semester hours of education, including specific coursework in accounting and business. Once you pass the four parts of the Uniform CPA Exam, you must also pass the Nebraska-specific Professional Ethics Exam. The total cost for exam fees, application fees, and review courses is typically $3,000 - $5,000. The timeline from starting your education (if needed) to full licensure can be 1-2 years.
• Certified Management Accountant (CMA): Highly valued in manufacturing (like BD) and corporate settings. Offered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), it focuses on internal financial management and strategic planning. Requirements include a bachelor’s degree, two continuous years of professional experience, and passing two exam parts. Total costs are around $1,500 for members (including exam fees and the IMA membership). The timeline to complete it is typically 6-18 months.
• Other Certifications (CFA, FRM): These are not state-licensed but are nationally recognized credentials. Their value in Kearney is limited unless you’re in a specialized role, such as at the university’s finance department or a regional investment management firm. The local job market primarily values practical experience and software proficiency (Excel, SQL, ERP systems like SAP or Oracle) over these highly specialized designations.

Actionable Advice: Start by checking your existing credentials against the Nebraska Department of Education’s website for CPA requirements. If you’re aiming for a non-CPA role, focus your energy on sharpening your data analytics skills with tools like Power BI or Tableau—these are in high demand at Kearney’s major employers.

Best Neighborhoods for Financial Analysts

Kearney is incredibly commutable; you’re rarely more than a 15-minute drive from anywhere. Your choice of neighborhood is more about lifestyle than commute time.

1. Downtown Kearney: The historic heart of the city. You’ll find a mix of older homes, new loft-style apartments, and a walkable scene with coffee shops, the Rialto theater, and bars. It’s ideal for young professionals who want to be in the middle of the action. Rent Estimate: $800 - $1,200/month for a 1BR apartment or a room in a shared house.
2. East Kearney (Between 2nd and 5th Avenue): A quiet, established residential area. This is where many young families and professionals choose to live. You get larger homes, tree-lined streets, and it’s just a 5-minute drive to downtown or the university. Rent Estimate: $700 - $950/month for a 1BR or 2BR apartment.
3. South Kearney (Near the Hospital & University): This area is dominated by rentals due to the university and healthcare workers. It’s convenient if you work at Buffalo County Community Hospital or UNK. The vibe is lively and student-adjacent, but you can find quieter pockets. Rent Estimate: $600 - $850/month for a 1BR or studio.
4. The Landings / West Kearney: A newer master-planned community with modern apartment complexes and townhomes. It’s a bit farther from downtown (10-15 minutes) but offers amenities like a pool and fitness center. It’s popular with professionals working at the logistics centers on the west side of town. Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,100/month for a modern 1BR.
5. Buffalo County Rural (10-15 minute drive): For those who don’t mind a short commute, living just outside the city limits in the surrounding county offers more space, privacy, and often lower property taxes. You’ll find houses on acreage and smaller towns like Shelton or Elm Creek. Rent Estimate: $600 - $800/month for a small house or trailer, but homeownership is the real draw here.

Insider Tip: If you’re moving in the summer, start your housing search early. The UNK student population creates a tight rental market from August to May. The best deals are often found in the winter months.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Kearney, your career growth is less about jumping to a new firm every two years and more about deepening your expertise within one of the major local industries.

• Specialty Premiums: You can command a salary premium by developing niche skills. For example, an analyst with experience in cost accounting for manufacturing (highly relevant for BD) or revenue cycle analysis for healthcare (critical for the hospital) can earn 10-15% above the median. Similarly, expertise in supply chain logistics (for the fulfillment centers) is a gold standard.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from an entry-level analyst to a senior analyst, and then to a manager of finance or a controller. With 10-15 years of experience, you could realistically become a Director of Finance at a mid-sized local company or a senior leader in the finance department of a major employer like the hospital or BD. The 10-year job growth of 9% indicates steady, reliable demand, meaning opportunities for promotion will continue to open up as the economy expands.
• 10-Year Outlook: Kearney isn’t a city of explosive growth, but it is a city of stability. The logistics and healthcare sectors are expected to continue growing. The key to long-term success here is becoming a known quantity. Get involved with local business groups like the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce. Build a reputation for reliability and deep knowledge of your specific industry. The opportunities are here, but they’re often filled by internal candidates who have proven their value over time.

The Verdict: Is Kearney Right for You?

Kearney is not for everyone. It’s a pragmatic choice for a financial analyst who values financial freedom, work-life balance, and a strong sense of community over the high-energy pace of a major financial center.

Pros of Being a Financial Analyst in Kearney	Cons of Being a Financial Analyst in Kearney
Excellent purchasing power. Your $96,158 salary goes much further.	Limited job market. Only 68 job openings means fewer choices.
Low cost of living. Rent is $678, and you can afford a home.	Less specialization. Fewer roles in investment banking, private equity, or fintech.
Short commutes. 5-10 minutes is the norm, freeing up your time.	Slower salary growth. Top-end salaries cap lower than in Omaha or Lincoln.
Stable, major employers. Hospitals, banks, and manufacturers provide security.	Limited networking. Smaller professional community compared to larger cities.
Outdoor lifestyle. Easy access to the Platte River, parks, and hunting.	Can feel "small." Fewer cultural and dining options than a metro area.

Final Recommendation: Kearney is an outstanding choice for a Financial Analyst who is early in their career and focused on building a strong financial foundation, or for a mid-career professional looking to slow down, own a home, and enjoy a higher quality of life. If your primary goal is to maximize your salary in a hyper-competitive, specialized field, you may be better suited for Omaha or a larger city. However, if you want a career that supports a fulfilling life outside the office, Kearney is a hidden gem.

FAQs

1. Is a car necessary in Kearney?
Yes, almost certainly. While the downtown core is walkable, the major employers, grocery stores, and residential areas are spread out. Public transportation is limited. Having a reliable vehicle is essential for daily life and commuting.

2. How is the work-life balance for financial analysts here?
Generally very good. The culture at most Kearney employers is more traditional, with a standard 8-5 workday. Overtime is not as common as in major corporate hubs. The short commutes mean you have more personal time, which is a huge benefit.

3. What is the interview process like at a place like TierOne Bank or Buffalo County Hospital?
Expect a multi-stage process. It will typically start with a phone screen, followed by 1-2 in-person interviews. You will almost certainly face a practical skills test, often an advanced Excel exercise or a case study relevant to their business (e.g., analyzing a loan portfolio or a departmental budget). Be prepared to discuss your experience with specific software and how you’ve used data to drive decisions.

4. Are there opportunities for remote work?
The pandemic shifted the landscape, and some hybrid models exist, especially for roles that are heavily data-focused. However, Kearney’s largest employers (the hospital, manufacturing plants, the bank’s headquarters) still value in-person collaboration. You may find fully remote roles with companies based outside Nebraska that are hiring in the Kearney area, but the core local job market remains predominantly in-office.

5. How do I break into the market if I’m new to Kearney?
Leverage the two main institutions: the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) and Bryan Health. Both have large networks and are known for hiring locally. Attend Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce events. Connect with professionals on LinkedIn who work at the major employers. The market is relationship-driven, so showing up and making a local connection can be more effective than a blind application.