Human Resources Specialist in Kearney, NE

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Human Resources Specialists considering a move to Kearney, Nebraska.

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The Salary Picture: Where Kearney Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Kearney isn't a high-cost coastal city, and the salary reflects that. However, the purchasing power here is strong. The median salary for Human Resources Specialists in the Kearney metro area is $65,701/year, with an hourly rate of $31.59/hour. This sits slightly below the national average of $67,650/year, but the gap is marginal and is more than offset by the area's low cost of living.

The job market for HR is stable but not explosive, with 68 jobs available in the metro at any given time. The 10-year job growth projection is 8%, which aligns with national trends but suggests a steady, reliable demand rather than a boom. For a professional in this field, Kearney offers a predictable career path.

Below is a breakdown of what you can expect to earn based on your experience level in the Kearney market. These are localized estimates based on regional pay scales and industry data.

| Experience Level | Estimated Annual Salary | What to Expect in Kearney |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Entry-Level (0-2 years) | $48,000 - $56,000 | Often starts in generalist roles at smaller companies or as a coordinator at larger employers like UNK or CHI Health. |
| Mid-Career (3-7 years) | $62,000 - $72,000 | This is the median range. You’ll likely be managing core HR functions independently at a mid-sized local business. |
| Senior-Level (8-15 years) | $75,000 - $90,000 | Roles like HR Manager or Senior Generalist at major employers (e.g., Baldwin Filters, Kearney Regional). Requires SHRM-CP or PHR certification. |
| Expert/Specialist (15+ years) | $90,000+ | Director-level roles at large institutions (UNK, Kearney Public Schools) or a regional HRBP for a corporate branch. |

Compared to Other Nebraska Cities: Kearney’s HR salaries are competitive within the state. They are lower than Omaha ($72,800/year) and Lincoln ($70,100/year), where corporate headquarters and the state government create higher demand. However, Kearney’s cost of living is significantly lower—about 25% less than Lincoln and 30% less than Omaha—making the effective take-home pay very comparable. In cities like Grand Island or Hastings, salaries are similar but with fewer specialized HR roles.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get down to what matters: can you live comfortably? For an HR Specialist earning the median salary of $65,701/year, here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for Kearney, using the average 1BR rent of $678/month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Gross: $5,475, Net: ~$4,200)

• Gross Monthly Income: $5,475
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$1,275
• Net Take-Home Pay: ~$4,200
• Average 1BR Rent: -$678
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet): -$200
• Groceries & Household: -$500
• Transportation (Car Payment, Gas, Insurance): -$450
• Health Insurance (Employer-Sponsored): -$300
• Retirement Savings (401k, 5% match): -$275
• Entertainment & Discretionary: -$500
• Remaining: +$1,297

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Absolutely. The remaining $1,297 after essential expenses is substantial. The median home price in Kearney is approximately $225,000. With a 20% down payment of $45,000, a 30-year mortgage at current rates would have a monthly payment (PITI) of roughly $1,300-$1,400. An HR Specialist at the median salary could comfortably afford this within 2-3 years of saving, especially with the lower-than-average rent allowing for aggressive savings. This is a key advantage over larger metro areas where homeownership is often out of reach for mid-career professionals.

Where the Jobs Are: Kearney's Major Employers

Kearney’s economy is diverse, anchored by education, healthcare, logistics, and manufacturing. HR roles are concentrated in these larger organizations. As an insider, I know that many HR jobs are never advertised publicly—they are filled through networking on platforms like LinkedIn or local groups like the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce.

Here are the primary employers where you’ll find opportunities:

1. University of Kearney (UNK): The largest employer in the region. They have a dedicated HR department with roles in recruitment, benefits, and employee relations. Hiring is episodic, often aligned with the academic calendar. They value SHRM or PHR certifications.
2. CHI Health Kearney (formerly Good Samaritan Hospital): A major healthcare system requiring robust HR for a large, diverse workforce. Roles here often focus on compliance, labor relations, and specialized recruitment for clinical staff. They offer great benefits, which is a key HR talking point.
3. Kearney Public Schools (KPS): The school district is a significant employer with specific needs around compliance (education-specific labor laws), recruitment, and managing a unionized workforce. HR roles are highly specialized.
4. Baldwin Filters (a CLARCOR company): A global manufacturing plant located in Kearney. Their HR needs focus on plant operations, labor relations, safety compliance (OSHA), and union negotiations. This is a great spot for an HR Specialist with a manufacturing or industrial background.
5. Kearney Regional Airport & Logistics Hub: With its strategic location on I-80, Kearney’s logistics sector is growing. Companies like Werner Enterprises and other trucking firms have regional offices. HR roles here are lean, often a single HR Generalist managing multiple duties.
6. The Kearney Daily Hub & Local Media: Smaller businesses, including the local newspaper and marketing agencies, often hire HR Generalists or outsource to a PEO. These roles are great for those who want a broad, hands-on experience.

Hiring Trends: There’s a noticeable trend toward HR professionals who can wear multiple hats. Smaller employers seek Generalists who can handle everything from payroll to recruitment. Larger institutions are looking for specialists (e.g., Benefits, Recruiting) but expect them to collaborate across departments. The demand is stable, not volatile.

Getting Licensed in NE

Nebraska does not have a state-specific HR license. However, professional certification is the industry standard and is highly recommended for career advancement.

• Professional Certifications: The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the HR Certification Institute (HRCI) offer the most recognized credentials in Kearney. Employers here value the SHRM-CP (Certified Professional) or SHRM-SCP (Senior Certified Professional), as well as the PHR (Professional in Human Resources) or SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources).
• Costs: Exam fees range from $300 to $410 for SHRM certification (plus membership dues). Preparation courses (online or local) can cost an additional $300-$800. Many employers in Kearney, like CHI Health and UNK, offer tuition reimbursement or professional development funds to cover these costs.
• Timeline to Get Started: If you have a bachelor’s degree (often required for these roles), you can sit for the SHRM-CP exam with 1-3 years of experience. The study timeline is typically 2-3 months. Exams are offered year-round at testing centers, including one in nearby Lincoln. You do not need to be a Nebraska resident to take the exam, but you must adhere to the state's labor laws, which you can learn from the Nebraska Department of Labor website.

Best Neighborhoods for Human Resources Specialists

Kearney is a compact city, and commutes are rarely an issue. Most HR jobs are located in the central business district, near the University, or along the interstate corridor. Here are the best neighborhoods to consider based on lifestyle and commute.

Neighborhood	Commute to Central Employers	Vibe & Lifestyle	Average 1BR Rent
Downtown Kearney	5-10 minute walk/bike	Historic, walkable, vibrant. Close to restaurants, the World Theatre, and the Convention Center. Great for young professionals.	$700 - $900
North Kearney / University Area	5-10 minute drive	Quiet, residential, filled with students and academics. More single-family homes and duplexes. Very safe.	$650 - $750
South Kearney (near CHI Health)	10-15 minute drive	Family-oriented, newer subdivisions, good schools. A bit more spread out but offers modern amenities.	$675 - $825
West Kearney (near I-80)	10-15 minute drive	Commercial and logistics hub. More apartment complexes, convenient for shopping (Kearney Hub, Walmart).	$625 - $750

Insider Tip: If you're looking for a quiet, community-focused lifestyle, North Kearney is the spot. For a more social, professional atmosphere, Downtown is unbeatable. Most HR professionals I know in town live in these two areas. The South Kearney area is ideal if you have a family or plan to start one soon. The West Kearney corridor is practical and affordable, especially for those who drive frequently for work.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Kearney, career growth for HR Specialists is more about deepening expertise than climbing a corporate ladder. The 10-year outlook with 8% job growth means opportunities will arise from retirements and new business openings, not from massive corporate expansion.

• Specialty Premiums: To move beyond the median salary of $65,701, you need a specialty. The highest premiums in Kearney are for:
  • HRIS/Technology: Professionals who can manage HR software (like Workday or ADP) are in demand at larger employers.
  • Labor Relations & Union Negotiation: Critical at manufacturing and public sector employers.
  • Talent Acquisition & Recruitment: Specialized recruiters are needed to fill clinical, technical, and skilled trade positions, which are often hard to fill in a smaller market.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from HR Generalist to HR Manager (at a mid-sized company) or to a Specialist role (Benefits, Recruiting) at a larger organization. The next step is HR Director, often requiring 10-15 years of experience and a senior certification (SHRM-SCP or SPHR). From there, the market is small; many top HR leaders in Kearney have been in their roles for a decade or more.
• 10-Year Outlook: The outlook is stable. The 8% growth will be driven by the expansion of the healthcare and logistics sectors. The University of Kearney continues to be a stable, long-term employer. For an HR Specialist, the key to advancement is building a deep network within the Kearney business community. The local SHRM chapter is active and essential for staying connected.

The Verdict: Is Kearney Right for You?

Kearney offers a compelling proposition for HR professionals who value work-life balance, affordability, and a close-knit community. It’s not a place for rapid, high-stakes corporate climbing, but it’s an excellent environment for building a stable, respected career and a high quality of life.

Here’s a final look at the pros and cons:

Pros	Cons
High Purchasing Power: Salary of $65,701 goes far with a 90.4 Cost of Living Index.	Limited Specialization: Fewer niche HR roles (e.g., Global HR, Tech Recruiting) compared to major metros.
Affordable Homeownership: Achievable on a mid-career salary.	Smaller Network: The professional HR community is tight-knit; it can be hard to break in without networking.
Stable Job Market: 68 jobs and 8% growth offer security.	Slower Pace: Career advancement can be gradual; you must be proactive.
Work-Life Balance: Short commutes, outdoor recreation (Kearney is called "The Sandhill Cranes Capital").	Limited Exit Opportunities: If you want to leave HR or switch industries, options are more constrained.
Strong Community: Easy to get involved and build a reputation.	Weather: Winters can be harsh and long, with significant snowfall.

Final Recommendation: Kearney is an excellent choice for an HR Specialist who is at the mid-career stage, values stability, and prioritizes lifestyle over the hustle of a big city. It’s particularly well-suited for those who want to become a generalist expert—a go-to HR professional in the community. If you are early in your career and seeking rapid growth in a highly specialized field, you might find more opportunities in Omaha or Lincoln. However, for a balanced, prosperous career with a clear path to homeownership, Kearney is a hidden gem.

FAQs

1. How important is a SHRM or PHR certification in Kearney?
It’s very important for advancement. While you can get an entry-level job without it, the median and senior-level salaries ($65,701 and up) are almost exclusively held by certified professionals. Most major employers (UNK, CHI Health) explicitly list it as a preferred qualification.

2. What’s the job market like for someone with no local experience?
It’s manageable but requires effort. Many employers prefer local candidates who understand the community. Your best bet is to apply from out of state but emphasize any ties to Nebraska (e.g., family, previous visits). Highlight your willingness to relocate and your interest in Kearney’s specific industries (education, healthcare, logistics).

3. Can I live in Kearney without a car?
It’s challenging. While the downtown and university areas are walkable, the main employers (CHI Health, Baldwin Filters, the airport) are spread out. A car is highly recommended for commuting and daily errands. Public transit (Kearney Transit) exists but has limited routes.

4. Are there remote HR jobs available from Kearney?
Yes, but they are not the majority. Some Kearney-based companies allow remote work for certain HR functions, especially in recruiting or HRIS. Additionally, you can work remotely for a company based elsewhere. However, the local job market is primarily on-site, and employers value in-person collaboration.

5. How do I start networking in Kearney before I move?
Engage with the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce and the Nebraska SHRM chapter on LinkedIn. Follow local employers on social media. Reach out to HR professionals in Kearney for informational interviews—locals are generally welcoming. Mentioning that you’ve read about the 8% job growth and the $65,701 median salary shows you’ve done your homework.

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Nebraska Department of Labor, Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce, Zillow (rental data), and local industry reports.