Medical Assistant in Kearney, NE

As a career analyst who’s watched Kearney’s medical landscape evolve over the past two decades, I can tell you this isn't just another Midwestern town with a hospital. Kearney is a regional healthcare hub for a 100-mile radius, anchored by a university and a major medical center. For a Medical Assistant, this means stability, but with a cost of living that keeps your paycheck feeling substantial.

Let's break down what it's really like to build a career here.

The Salary Picture: Where Kearney Stands

The first thing to understand is that Kearney's medical assistant salaries are slightly below the national average, but your money goes much further here. According to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for the Kearney Metro area, the median salary for Medical Assistants is $37,167/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.87/hour.

When you compare this to the national average of $38,270/year, the difference is minimal—about $1,100 annually. However, when you factor in Kearney’s cost of living (which is nearly 10% lower than the national average), that $17.87/hour in Kearney often feels more like $20/hour in a more expensive metro. The local job market is tight, with only 68 Medical Assistant positions listed in the metro at any given time. This scarcity, combined with a 10-Year Job Growth projection of 15%, means employers are keen to retain qualified staff, often offering benefits and small annual raises to keep you from commuting to Lincoln or Omaha.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Here’s how salaries typically progress in the Kearney market:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$31,000 - $34,500	Phlebotomy, vitals, patient intake, basic EHR documentation.
Mid-Level (3-5 years)	$36,000 - $39,000	Specialty clinic support (cardiology, orthopedics), patient education, inventory management.
Senior (6-10 years)	$40,000 - $44,000	Lead MA, clinical supervisor, training new hires, complex procedure assistance.
Expert / Certified (10+)	$45,000+	Specialty certification (RMA/CMA), EHR super-user, clinic management, quality assurance.

Comparison to Other Nebraska Cities

Kearney sits in a middle-ground. It’s more affordable than Omaha and Lincoln, where salaries are higher but competition is fiercer. It pays better than smaller rural towns in western Nebraska, where the job market is even more limited.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Job Market Size
Kearney	$37,167	90.4	68 jobs
Omaha	$39,200	89.8	450+ jobs
Lincoln	$38,100	85.6	320+ jobs
Grand Island	$35,800	82.1	45 jobs

Insider Tip: Kearney’s cost of living index of 90.4 is a powerful tool for negotiation. If you have a specific certification like Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), you can often command a salary at the top of the mid-level range, even with 3-5 years of experience, because local clinics are desperate for certified staff.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. Earning the median of $37,167/year (approximately $3,097/month gross), what does your monthly budget look like in Kearney?

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Earner, No Dependents):

• Gross Pay: $3,097
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, FICA, State): -$465 (approx. 15% effective rate)
• Net Take-Home Pay: $2,632
• Average 1BR Rent (Citywide): -$678
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): -$180
• Groceries: -$350
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: -$450
• Health Insurance (Employer-Subsidized): -$150
• Miscellaneous (Clothing, Entertainment, Savings): -$450
• Remaining Buffer: -$376

This budget is tight but manageable, with about $376 remaining for savings, emergency funds, or discretionary spending. The key is the low rent. A Medical Assistant earning the median salary can comfortably afford a 1-bedroom apartment without roommates, a scenario that is increasingly difficult in larger metros.

Can you afford to buy a home?
Yes, but it requires careful planning. The median home price in Kearney is around $220,000. With a 3.5% FHA down payment ($7,700), your monthly mortgage (including taxes and insurance) would be roughly $1,400-$1,500. On a $2,632 net take-home, that’s over 50% of your income, which is not advisable. However, if you move up to a Senior position ($42,000+), partner with a dual income, or save aggressively for a larger down payment, homeownership becomes a very realistic goal within 3-5 years. Many local lenders offer first-time homebuyer programs specifically for healthcare workers.

Where the Jobs Are: Kearney's Major Employers

The job market for MAs in Kearney is dominated by a few key players. The 68 jobs in the metro are almost exclusively with these employers, so knowing who they are and how they hire is critical.

1. CHI Health Good Samaritan: The 246-bed regional hub. It’s the largest employer and has the most diverse openings—from family medicine clinics inside the hospital to specialty practices like oncology and cardiology. They host major hiring events in the spring and fall. Hiring Trend: Actively expanding their outpatient specialty network.
2. Allohealth (formerly Kearney Regional Medical Center): A newer, growing player with a strong focus on orthopedics and immediate care. They tend to hire for their clinic network, which includes Allohealth Orthopedics and Allohealth Immediate Care. Hiring Trend: Aggressive growth mode, often creating new MA positions.
3. Nebraska Medicine - University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK): The university’s on-campus health clinic serves students and faculty. It’s a smaller, calmer environment with regular hours (no weekends/holidays). Positions here are highly coveted and often filled through internal networks or UNK job boards first. Hiring Trend: Steady, with occasional openings due to turnover.
4. Platte River Medical Group: A large independent practice with multiple locations in Kearney and surrounding towns (e.g., Minden). They offer a classic, community-based family medicine environment. Hiring Trend: Consistent need for MAs due to steady patient volume.
5. Kearney Pediatric Associates: A specialized clinic focusing solely on children. Requires a passion for pediatrics and strong communication skills with both kids and parents. Hiring Trend: Stable, with openings typically posted on their website or local boards.
6. Kearney Eye Institute: A specialty practice for ophthalmology. MAs here learn specific procedures and assist with eye exams and minor surgeries. Hiring Trend: Growing as the population ages, creating more demand for eye care.

Insider Tip: Many jobs aren’t publicly advertised. The best way to find openings is to set up job alerts on the CHI and Allohealth career pages and, more importantly, connect with clinic managers on LinkedIn. A direct message expressing interest in their team can bypass the HR queue entirely.

Getting Licensed in NE

Nebraska does not have a state-specific licensure for Medical Assistants, which simplifies the process. However, certification is a de facto requirement for competitive jobs.

The Pathway:

1. Education: Complete an accredited Medical Assistant program. Local options include:
   • Central Community College (Kearney Center): Offers a 1-year diploma program. Cost: ~$5,000-$6,000.
   • University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK): Offers a 4-year Bachelor of Science in Medical Sciences with an MA track, but this is overkill for most primary roles. Cost is higher (~$30,000+ per year).
2. Certification: Post-graduation, sit for one of two national exams:
   • CMA (AAMA): Certified Medical Assistant. Requires graduating from a CAAHEP-accredited program. Exam fee: ~$120-$150.
   • RMA (AMT): Registered Medical Assistant. Open to graduates of non-accredited programs or those with military training. Exam fee: ~$120.
3. Cost & Timeline: The total investment for a certificate program is roughly $6,000. Financial aid (FAFSA) is available for accredited programs. The timeline from starting school to being certified and job-ready is typically 12-15 months.

Nebraska State-Specifics: You must provide proof of your certification to potential employers. There is no separate state application. Keep your certification current (requires continuing education every 5 years) and ensure you have a valid CPR card. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services website is the primary resource for any regulations, though certification is handled nationally.

Best Neighborhoods for Medical Assistants

Where you live in Kearney impacts your commute and lifestyle. The city is compact, so even the "far" neighborhoods are only a 10-15 minute drive from the medical district.

1. East Hill / University District (Near UNK):

   • Vibe: Quiet, academic, with older, well-maintained homes and some apartment complexes. Close to the university's green spaces.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $650 - $750
   • Commute: 5-8 minutes to CHI Good Samaritan or Allohealth clinics.
   • Best For: MAs who value a peaceful environment or work at the UNK clinic.

2. South Kearney (Near the Mall & 2nd Street):

   • Vibe: Commercial, with newer apartment complexes, shopping, and restaurants. Very convenient for daily errands.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $680 - $780
   • Commute: 7-12 minutes to the medical district (traffic can be slightly heavier on 2nd St during rush hour).
   • Best For: MAs who want modern amenities and easy access to everything.

3. Central Kearney (Downtown Adjacent):

   • Vibe: Historic, charming, with a mix of older apartments, condos, and renovated homes. Walkable to downtown breweries and restaurants.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $700 - $800
   • Commute: 4-10 minutes to all major clinics. Easy bike ride if you live close.
   • Best For: Social MAs who enjoy a vibrant, community feel.

4. West Kearney (Near the Hospital):

   • Vibe: Established residential neighborhoods with single-family homes. Very close to CHI Good Samaritan, making it ideal for hospital-based MAs.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $650 - $720 (Note: fewer apartments, more older homes for rent).
   • Commute: 2-5 minutes to the hospital. The ultimate short commute.
   • Best For: MAs who prioritize an ultra-short commute to the main hospital campus.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Kearney offers a clear path for advancement, though it's less about climbing a massive corporate ladder and more about deepening your expertise.

• Specialty Premiums: MAs in specialties like Ophthalmology (Kearney Eye Institute) or Orthopedics (Allohealth) often earn 5-10% more than general family medicine MAs due to the specialized skill set. Cardiology and Oncology MAs at CHI also command higher pay.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Lead MA / Clinical Supervisor: After 5-7 years, you can oversee other MAs and clinic flow. This comes with a pay bump and more administrative responsibility.
  2. Specialty Focus: Become an expert in a specific clinic (e.g., become the go-to MA for the neurology clinic). This makes you indispensable.
  3. Transition to Other Roles: With experience, you can move into Healthcare Administration, Medical Coding, or Patient Care Coordinator roles. Many local clinics promote from within.
  4. Further Education: Some MAs use their experience to pursue nursing (RN) or physician assistant (PA) school. Central Community College and UNK offer local pathways.
• 10-Year Outlook: With 15% projected job growth, Kearney will likely see new clinics and expanded services, especially given its aging population and status as a regional draw. The demand for experienced Certified MAs will remain high. The key to long-term growth here is lifelong learning—attending workshops, getting additional certifications (e.g., phlebotomy, EKG tech), and staying proficient with the latest EHR systems.

The Verdict: Is Kearney Right for You?

Kearney isn't for everyone, but for the right person, it's an exceptional place to build a life and career.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further.	Limited Job Market: Only 68 jobs means fewer choices.
High Job Security: With 15% growth and major employers, turnover is low.	Fewer Specialties: You may not find niche specialty clinics (e.g., transgender health, rare diseases).
Short Commutes: Most neighborhoods are 10 mins or less from work.	Social Scene: Smaller city vibe; fewer networking events for healthcare professionals.
Strong Community: Easy to know your colleagues and patients.	Weather: Harsh winters with snow and ice can be a challenge.
Family-Friendly: Excellent schools, safe neighborhoods.	Cultural Diversity: Less diverse than a major metro.

Final Recommendation:
Kearney is an excellent choice for a Medical Assistant who values work-life balance, affordability, and job stability over the hustle of a big city. If you are certified (CMA/RMA), have a strong work ethic, and prefer a community where you can quickly buy a home and establish roots, Kearney will reward you. It’s less ideal for someone seeking the absolute highest salary or the widest range of medical specialties. For the right candidate, the math simply works: a $37,167 salary feels like $45,000 elsewhere.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to be certified to get a job in Kearney?
A: For the most competitive positions at CHI and Allohealth, yes. While a few small, independent practices might hire an uncertified MA for on-the-job training, the vast majority of employers list certification (CMA/RMA) as a requirement. It’s strongly recommended.

Q: What’s the healthcare scene like for someone moving from a coastal city?
A: It’s less fast-paced and more relationship-driven. You’ll know your patients and your coworkers. The pace is efficient but not frantic. Be prepared for a more traditional clinic environment, with less reliance on cutting-edge tech than you might see in a major research hospital.

Q: Are there opportunities for part-time work?
A: Yes, but they are competitive. Many larger clinics offer part-time positions, often with benefits prorated after a certain number of hours. Look for postings at Platte River Medical Group or Kearney Pediatric Associates, which may have more flexible schedules than the hospital.

Q: How do I network in a small town?
A: Join the Nebraska Medical Assistants Society (NMAS)—they have a regional chapter. Attend health fairs at the Kearney Hub or community events at Yanney Park. Simply being a patient at a local clinic and connecting with staff can also open doors. In Kearney, your reputation is your brand.

Q: Is it easy to get around without a car?
A: It is challenging. Public transit exists but is limited. Most MAs drive to work. However, if you live in Central Kearney or East Hill, biking and walking are feasible for short commutes, especially in warmer months. Factor in car ownership as a necessity for full-time job hunting.