See your real net paycheck in Kearney for 2026. Break down federal tax, state income tax, Social Security, and Medicare, then view weekly, biweekly, and monthly take-home pay.
Last updated: May 2026 · Data: MIT Living Wage Calculator, C2ER, U.S. Census, BLS, IRS, state and city sources
Kearney median household income: $58,000 · Avg 1BR rent: $800/mo
Nebraska levies a state income tax (2.46% to 5.84%) that comes out of every Kearney paycheck on top of federal tax and FICA. Nebraska has four income tax brackets. The state has been gradually reducing its top rate and is phasing out state income tax on Social Security benefits.
| Gross Salary | Annual Take-Home | Monthly Take-Home | Effective Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $33,297 | $2,775 | 16.8% |
| $60,000 | $48,288 | $4,024 | 19.5% |
| $80,000 | $61,538 | $5,128 | 23.1% |
| $58,000 | $46,798 | $3,900 | 19.3% |
| $120,000 | $87,309 | $7,276 | 27.2% |
| $160,000 | $112,313 | $9,359 | 29.8% |
Single filer, standard deduction, no pre-tax deductions. Estimates only.
Kearney sits along Interstate 80 in central Nebraska and is home to the University of Nebraska at Kearney, with an economy built on higher education, healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, and its role as a travel and convention stop on the Platte River.
| Local Metric | Kearney (2026 estimate) |
|---|---|
| Metro population | 35,000 |
| County / jurisdiction | Buffalo County |
| Cost of living index (US avg = 100) | 76 |
| MIT living wage, single adult | $17.75/hour |
| MIT living wage, one earner supporting a family of four | $37.00/hour |
| Applicable minimum wage | $12.00/hour |
| Average rent, 1-bedroom | $800/month |
| Average rent, 2-bedroom | $1,000/month |
| Median home price | $230,000 |
| Median household income | $58,000/year |
| Combined sales tax rate | 7% |
| Effective property tax rate | 1.7% of value/year |
Local figures are 2026 estimates compiled from the MIT Living Wage Calculator, the C2ER Cost of Living Index, U.S. Census and Zillow housing data, and city and county sources. Verify current figures before relying on them.
On a $58,000 salary (single, standard deduction) in Kearney, estimated take-home pay is roughly $46,798/year. With median household income near $58,000 and average 1-bedroom rent of $800/month, housing alone can take a large share of net pay.
Federal income tax and FICA (Social Security 6.2% up to $176,100, Medicare 1.45%) apply to every worker. Nebraska state income tax (2.46% to 5.84%) also applies in Kearney.
Kearney does not impose a city income tax. Your paycheck reflects federal tax, Nebraska state tax, and FICA.
For the 2025 tax year filed in 2026, the federal standard deduction is $15,000 (single) and $30,000 (married filing jointly). This calculator applies it before computing federal and state income tax.
Contribute more to a pre-tax 401(k) or 403(b), use an HSA or FSA, and claim eligible deductions. These reduce federal and Nebraska state income tax, though most do not reduce Social Security or Medicare.