Kearney vs Omaha: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist 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 | $90,709 | $98,822▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $43.61 | $47.51▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,995 | $79,219▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,985 | $96,198▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $99,842 | $101,068▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $114,134▲ | $102,925 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 580▲ |
Verdict
Omaha, NE offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kearney.
The salary gap between Kearney and Omaha is $8,113 (8.94%). Omaha's median is -4.01% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kearney spans $40,139,Omaha spans $23,706. Kearney has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Omaha ($107,519 effective) pays 8.46% more than Kearney ($99,136 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kearney if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($114,134)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Omaha if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($98,822/year)
- ✓Larger job market (580 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,519)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Kearney grew 22.4% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 27.8% growth in Omaha over the same period.
Kearney, NE
$70,619 (2020) → $86,439 (2025)
Omaha, NE
$73,670 (2020) → $94,170 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kearney, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Kearney or Omaha?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kearney and Omaha?
Should I relocate from Kearney to Omaha as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Kearney vs Omaha?
Written by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH
Dental Career Analyst
Sarah Chen is a registered dental hygienist with over 12 years of clinical experience. She specializes in salary benchmarking and career strategy, helping dental professionals make data-driven career decisions using official BLS statistics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.94% 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 Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov