Kearney vs Lincoln: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Kearney, NE and Lincoln, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kearney, NE | Lincoln, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $95,635▲ | $78,084 |
| Hourly Rate | $45.98▲ | $37.54 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,468▲ | $54,191 |
| 25th Percentile | $68,858▲ | $63,540 |
| 75th Percentile | $122,413 | $145,508▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $148,234 | $319,724▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 290▲ |
Verdict
Kearney and Lincoln are closely matched on overall financial advisor compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Kearney and Lincoln is $17,551 (22.48%). Kearney's median is -11.89% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kearney spans $92,766,Lincoln spans $265,533. Lincoln has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced financial advisors.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Kearney ($104,519 effective) pays 22.59% more than Lincoln ($85,262 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kearney if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($95,635/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,519)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Lincoln if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($319,724)
- ✓Larger job market (290 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Kearney grew 14.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 8.4% growth in Lincoln over the same period.
Kearney, NE
$81,063 (2024) → $92,580 (2025)
Lincoln, NE
$69,730 (2019) → $75,590 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kearney, NE
Lincoln, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: Kearney or Lincoln?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kearney and Lincoln?
Should I relocate from Kearney to Lincoln as a financial advisor?
What do entry-level financial advisors earn in Kearney vs Lincoln?
Written by Jordan Lee, CFP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 10 years of experience in financial planning. They specialize in retirement planning for individuals. They work at a financial services firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.30% 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 Jordan Lee, CFP, a licensed financial advisor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov