Entry-Level Physical Therapist Salary in Kearney, NE: $74,470 (2026)
Quick Answer:New physical therapists entering the Kearney, NE job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $74,470 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1123, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kearney's local price level (BEA RPP 91.5 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $81,388 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($92,771) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the physical therapy field in Kearney, Nebraska, expectations around starting pay should align closely with the entry-level salary of $74,470 in 2026. This entry-level amount is distinctly lower than the city's median annual salary of $92,771, highlighting a significant gap that many new practitioners may encounter as they begin their careers. However, the growth trajectory for early-career physical therapists is promising, as salaries are expected to progress from the entry-level figures to approximately $80,539 within a few years, and potentially reaching the median as they gain experience. Given the city's affordable cost of living index at 91.5, Kearney presents a favorable environment for new grad physical therapist pay in NE, making it a compelling choice for aspiring therapists entering the workforce.
About the Kearney Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kearney
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kearney
Entry-level physical therapists in Kearney, NE typically start between $74,470 and $80,539 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $44,975 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $92,771 — 11.89% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average physical therapy program cost in Nebraska of $100,000 represents just 134.28% of the starting physical therapist pay ($74,470/year) in Kearney. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAPTE-accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy programs. Tuition varies substantially between public in-state DPT programs and private institutions; most programs require a prerequisite bachelor's degree.
PT Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Kearney
- 1Research the Kearney market: entry-level physical therapist pay ranges from $74,470 to $80,539, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the physical therapy field — employers in NE often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Kearney, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Kearney for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kearney's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Physical Therapist Compensation Range
The physical therapist wage spread in Kearney is $44,975 ( 60.39%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $74,470, experienced hygienists can earn up to $119,445.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$58,530
2025 BLS Actual
$72,682
2026 Current Est.
$74,470
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Kearney (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,530 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,859 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,351 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,985 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,084 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,124 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,682 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,470 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,302 | Projected |
Entry-level physical therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Kearney, NE grew 24.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $58,530 in 2019 to $72,682 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $76,302. New graduates entering the Kearney job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kearney metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.46% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your physical therapy Career in Kearney
In Kearney, various employers actively hire new graduates in the physical therapy sector, particularly outpatient orthopedic chains such as ATI, Select Medical, and Athletico, which typically offer structured productivity models that can lead to bonuses. Additionally, local hospital systems may provide residency programs to help new graduates earn board certification, which is advantageous for long-term career prospects. Skilled nursing facilities, like Genesis and RehabCare, often present better initial pay packages, adding to the appeal for those starting out. To maximize their entry-level physical therapist salary in Kearney, recent DPT graduates should prioritize obtaining their state PT license and consider advanced education options like residency or specialization through APTA to further enhance their credentials. Given the industry's current dynamics, realistic salary growth for new graduates during their first three years could lead to a steady increase, contingent on performance and the type of employer they align with.
More salary data for Kearney, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for physical therapists in Kearney in 2026?
How fast do physical therapist salaries grow in Kearney?
Is physical therapy school worth it in Kearney?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new physical therapy graduates. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Kearney. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kearney is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.46%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapists (SOC 29-1123).
Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov