Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in Kearney, NE: $44.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in Kearney, NE runs $44.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $92,771 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against Kearney's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $55,662 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kearney, NE, the physical therapist hourly pay reaches a median of $44.60, which is approximately 11.89% lower than the national hourly median of $50.62. This rate signals a competitive landscape for part-time and per-diem workers in various settings such as outpatient clinics, hospital rehab units, and home health environments, where physical therapists can expect their earnings to vary significantly based on experience and specialty. Entry-level therapists might earn around $35.80 per hour, while experienced professionals could see pay rates rise to $57.43 per hour. These estimates are derived from annual salary data for 2026; thus, they highlight the expected trends in the labor market for physical therapy services.
About the Kearney Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.80 | $286.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.72 | $309.76 |
| Median (P50) | $44.60 | $356.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.31 | $418.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.43 | $459.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kearney
Based on $44.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.60/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kearney, NE can expect to earn approximately $92,770 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $53,521. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kearney.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kearney
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,784.03 | $7,731 | $92,770 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,070.42 | $4,638 | $55,662 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $713.61 | $3,092 | $37,108 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (Kearney) | $44.60 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Chiropractor (National Avg) | $36.85 |
| Exercise Physiologist (National Avg) | $26.75 |
Physical Therapists in Kearney, NE earn a median of $92,771 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.89% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 3.70% below the Nebraska state average of $96,336.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.60/hr = $55,662/year (purchasing power: $60,833).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $92,770/year (purchasing power: $101,388).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$37.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Kearney (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.55/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.24/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in Kearney grew 14.9% from $37.89/hr (2019) to $43.53/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.70/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physical therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
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.
Working as an Hourly Physical Therapist in Kearney
Looking more closely at the earning potential for part-time physical therapists in Kearney, those working three days a week might realistically take home about $68,235 annually when factoring in their reduced hours compared to full-timers. Per diem positions often allow for a more flexible lifestyle but typically come with hourly rates that can range from $50 to $75, reflecting the current demand for skilled therapy services. Travel contracts for physical therapists may even offer between $1,800 and $2,800 per week, including additional stipends. The hourly compensation can differ based on employer type; outpatient clinics may provide lower base pay compared to hospitals but could offer bonuses related to productivity. In Kearney, therapists might face a choice between a reliable hourly wage with benefits at hospitals or higher rates with less job security in outpatient settings. When negotiating for hourly pay, it’s crucial to consider the benefits package in contrast to straight compensation, making informed decisions accordingly.
More salary data for Kearney, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for physical therapists in Kearney. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
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