Kearney vs Omaha: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist 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 | $92,771 | $102,081▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $44.60 | $49.08▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,470 | $79,447▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $80,539 | $83,525▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $108,804 | $110,349▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $119,445 | $123,352▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 1,120▲ |
Verdict
Omaha, NE offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kearney.
The salary gap between Kearney and Omaha is $9,310 (10.04%). Omaha's median is -3.05% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kearney spans $44,975,Omaha spans $43,905. 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 ($111,065 effective) pays 9.54% more than Kearney ($101,389 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 ($102,081/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($123,352)
- ✓Larger job market (1,120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $111,065)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Kearney grew 16.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.6% growth in Omaha over the same period.
Kearney, NE
$77,539 (2024) → $90,544 (2025)
Omaha, NE
$82,640 (2019) → $99,630 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kearney, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Kearney or Omaha?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kearney and Omaha?
Should I relocate from Kearney to Omaha as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Kearney vs Omaha?
Written by Alex Morgan, DPT
Career Analyst
Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% 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 Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov