Kearney vs Omaha: Paralegal Salary (2026)
Compare paralegal 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 | $57,359 | $66,484▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.58 | $31.96▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,722 | $46,921▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $47,581 | $52,262▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $72,598 | $79,454▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $88,907 | $95,726▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 1,010▲ |
Verdict
Omaha, NE offers better overall compensation for paralegals, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kearney.
The salary gap between Kearney and Omaha is $9,125 (15.91%). Omaha's median is +2.13% compared to the US national median of $65,097.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kearney spans $45,185,Omaha spans $48,805. Omaha has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced paralegals.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Omaha ($72,335 effective) pays 15.39% more than Kearney ($62,687 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 ($66,484/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($95,726)
- ✓Larger job market (1,010 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,335)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, paralegal salaries in Kearney grew 16.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.3% growth in Omaha over the same period.
Kearney, NE
$47,581 (2024) → $55,414 (2025)
Omaha, NE
$56,190 (2019) → $64,230 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kearney, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays paralegals more: Kearney or Omaha?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kearney and Omaha?
Should I relocate from Kearney to Omaha as a paralegal?
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Written by Jessica Tran, JD
Career Analyst
Jessica Tran has 10 years of experience in paralegal studies. She specializes in corporate law and works with a law firm. She trains new paralegals in legal research and documentation.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.51% 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 Jessica Tran, JD, a licensed paralegal with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov