Kearney vs Lincoln: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist 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 | $90,709 | $99,798▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $43.61 | $47.98▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,995▲ | $70,939 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,985 | $90,563▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $99,842 | $102,568▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $114,134▲ | $103,765 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 280▲ |
Verdict
Lincoln, NE offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kearney.
The salary gap between Kearney and Lincoln is $9,089 (10.02%). Lincoln's median is -3.06% 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,Lincoln spans $32,826. 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, Lincoln ($108,972 effective) pays 9.92% 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 Lincoln if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($99,798/year)
- ✓Larger job market (280 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,972)
- ✓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 26.4% growth in Lincoln over the same period.
Kearney, NE
$70,619 (2020) → $86,439 (2025)
Lincoln, NE
$75,220 (2020) → $95,100 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kearney, NE
Lincoln, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Kearney or Lincoln?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kearney and Lincoln?
Should I relocate from Kearney to Lincoln as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Kearney vs Lincoln?
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