The Complete Career Guide for Nursing Assistants in Kearney, NE

As a career analyst who’s spent years exploring the Midwestern job market, I can tell you that Kearney, Nebraska, isn't just a dot on the map between Chicago and Denver. It's a practical, affordable hub with a surprisingly robust healthcare sector driven by its status as a regional medical center. If you're a Nursing Assistant (CNA) looking for a place where your skills are in demand and your paycheck stretches further than it does on either coast, Kearney deserves a serious look. This guide strips away the fluff and gives you the data-driven reality of building a CNA career here.

The Salary Picture: Where Kearney Stands

Let's start with the numbers that matter most. In Kearney, the median annual salary for a Nursing Assistant is $34,740/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.7/hour. That's slightly below the national average for CNAs, which sits at $35,760/year. However, this salary is significantly more powerful in Kearney than it might be in a higher-cost metropolitan area. The local economy, anchored by healthcare and education, provides steady demand, with approximately 68 jobs available in the metro area for this role. The 10-year job growth projection for CNAs in the region is a steady 4%, indicating stable, long-term opportunities rather than explosive or volatile growth.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries for CNAs in Kearney follow a standard progression based on experience. Here’s how earnings typically break down:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Considerations
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$30,000 - $33,000	Often starts in nursing homes or hospital per-diem roles. Focus on building core skills and reliability.
Mid-Level (3-5 years)	$33,000 - $37,000	Increased responsibility, possible shift differentials, and specialized unit experience (e.g., rehab, dementia care).
Senior (6-9 years)	$37,000 - $40,000	Often leads to mentorship roles, charge CNA positions, or specialized certifications. Deep institutional knowledge is valued.
Expert/Lead (10+ years)	$40,000+	Typically involves leadership, training, or moving into related healthcare administration. May require additional education.

Comparison to Other Nebraska Cities

Kearney's salary is competitive within the state, especially when you factor in the cost of living.

City	Median CNA Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)
Kearney	$34,740	90.5
Omaha	$36,100	91.5
Lincoln	$35,500	91.0
Grand Island	$33,800	89.0
North Platte	$32,500	87.5

While Omaha and Lincoln offer marginally higher base salaries, the cost of living in Kearney is on par or slightly better, meaning your take-home pay goes further here than in the state's larger cities.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A median salary of $34,740 looks different once you account for real-world expenses. In Nebraska, you’ll pay federal income tax, FICA (7.65% for Social Security and Medicare), and state income tax (ranging from 2.46% to 6.84% for this income bracket). After these deductions, your net monthly income will be approximately $2,350 - $2,450.

Now, let's build a monthly budget for a CNA living alone in Kearney:

• Net Monthly Income: $2,400 (estimate)
• Rent (1BR Average): $678
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet): $180
• Groceries: $300
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: $350
• Health Insurance (if not fully employer-paid): $150
• Personal/Discretionary: $250
• Savings/Emergency Fund: $192

This tight but manageable budget leaves little room for error but allows for savings. The biggest advantage is the $678 average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment, which is dramatically lower than the U.S. average.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

With a median income of $34,740, homeownership is a challenge but not impossible with disciplined planning. The median home price in the Kearney metro is approximately $220,000. A standard 20% down payment is $44,000. On a $34,740 salary, saving for that down payment would take years without extreme frugality. However, USDA loans (available in much of the Kearney area) offer 0% down payment options for qualifying rural/suburban areas. A single CNA would likely need to be a dual-income household or spend 5+ years aggressively saving to make homeownership a reality.

Where the Jobs Are: Kearney's Major Employers

Kearney’s healthcare ecosystem is concentrated around a few key players. Hiring trends are stable, with a constant need for CNAs due to an aging population and the presence of a regional hospital.

1. CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital: The largest employer in the region. This 236-bed hospital is the primary hub for acute care. They frequently hire CNAs for Med-Surg, ICU, and ER departments. Hiring is year-round, with a slight uptick in late summer/early fall. Insider Tip: Good Samaritan often uses a staffing agency for per-diem roles; getting your foot in the door through an agency can lead to a full-time position.
2. The Heritage at Kearney (and other skilled nursing facilities): A major skilled nursing and rehabilitation center. This is a primary source of steady shifts, often with weekend differentials. They value CNAs with experience in long-term care and dementia care. Hiring is consistent due to high turnover and demand.
3. Kearney Regional Medical Center: A newer, 49-bed critical access hospital offering a different, more intimate hospital culture. They often seek CNAs for their swing bed and rehabilitation units. It’s a great place for those who want hospital experience without the scale of Good Samaritan.
4. Brookdale Kearney (Senior Living): Part of a large national chain, this assisted living community provides a less clinical but still vital care environment. Hiring trends mirror the senior living sector’s national growth.
5. University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) Health & Sports Center: While not a direct care employer, UNK’s nursing programs (including CNA training) and campus health services are a source of employment and networking. Many CNAs work per-diem here while studying for LPN/RN.
6. Local Home Health Agencies: Companies like Interim HealthCare and Comfort Keepers serve the broader region. These roles offer more flexibility and variety, with shifts in clients' homes. Hiring is often based on immediate need and client matches.

Hiring Trend Insight: Kearney’s healthcare employers are currently focused on retention. The pandemic exacerbated burnout, so facilities that offer consistent schedules, supportive management, and clear advancement paths are attracting and keeping staff. When interviewing, ask about staffing ratios and support systems.

Getting Licensed in NE

Nebraska’s certification process is straightforward but requires commitment.

• Requirement: Complete a state-approved 75-hour CNA training program (including 16 hours of clinicals). You must pass both a written/oral exam and a skills exam from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
• Cost: Training programs in Kearney range from $800 to $1,200. The state exam fee is approximately $100. Some employers, like Good Samaritan, offer tuition reimbursement or free training in exchange for a work commitment.
• Timeline: A typical training program takes 4-8 weeks (full-time). After passing the exam, your name must be listed on the Nebraska Nurse Aide Registry. This process can take 2-4 weeks post-exam. Total time from enrollment to certification: 2-3 months.

Insider Tip: Enroll in a program at Central Community College (Kearney Center) or a provider affiliated with a major employer. These programs often have direct pipelines to local jobs.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistants (CNA)s

Where you live in Kearney affects your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown of 4-5 neighborhoods suited for CNAs.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Best For
South Kearney (Near Good Samaritan)	Quiet, residential, 5-10 min commute to the hospital. Mostly single-family homes and older apartments.	$650 - $750	CNAs working at Good Samaritan who want the shortest commute and don’t mind a quieter area.
Downtown Kearney	Walkable, historic, near restaurants and UNK. A mix of apartments and townhomes. Commute to hospitals is 10-15 mins.	$700 - $850	Younger CNAs who value nightlife, walkability, and a vibrant community feel.
East Kearney / Hillcrest	Established neighborhoods with good schools and parks. 10-15 min commute to most employers.	$675 - $800	CNAs with families or those seeking a classic suburban feel with more space.
West Kearney / The Mill	Newer development with modern apartments and townhomes. 15-20 min commute to the medical district.	$750 - $900	Those seeking modern amenities (in-unit laundry, pools) and don’t mind a slightly longer commute.

Personal Insight: For a single CNA prioritizing affordability and commute, South Kearney is the winner. You can find older, well-maintained apartments for well under the city average and be at your hospital shift in under 10 minutes.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A CNA license in Kearney is a solid foundation, not a dead-end. The 4% job growth indicates stability, but advancement requires proactive steps.

• Specialty Premiums: CNAs with additional certifications (e.g., CPR-BLS, Geriatric Care, Restorative Nursing) can command higher starting pay or shift differentials. At Good Samaritan, a CNA on the night shift may earn a $2-$3/hour differential, pushing the hourly rate toward $19.70/hour.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Lead CNA/Mentor: Gain 3-5 years of experience, demonstrate leadership, and train new hires.
  2. LPN/RN Bridge: This is the most common path. Kearney’s UNK and Central Community College offer ADN and BSN programs. Many local hospitals have tuition assistance. This is the single most impactful career move, doubling your earning potential.
  3. Healthcare Administration: With experience, some move into roles like unit secretary or scheduling coordinator, leveraging their clinical knowledge in an administrative setting.
• 10-Year Outlook: The demand for skilled nurses (LPNs and RNs) in Nebraska is projected to grow faster than the national average. A CNA who becomes an LPN in 18-24 months will see their salary jump to a median of $48,000-$52,000 in the Kearney area. The path is clear and supported by local institutions.

The Verdict: Is Kearney Right for You?

Kearney offers a compelling value proposition for CNAs, but it's not for everyone. Here’s a direct comparison.

Pros of Being a CNA in Kearney	Cons of Being a CNA in Kearney
High Purchasing Power: $34,740 goes very far with $678 average rent and a 90.5 cost of living.	Limited Job Market: Only 68 jobs in the metro area. Less competition also means fewer choices if you want to switch employers.
Stable Demand: Anchored by a major regional hospital and aging population.	Lower Ceiling: Base salaries are modest. Significant raises require specialization or advanced degrees.
Quality of Life: Low stress commute, safe communities, strong sense of community.	Social Scene: It’s a college town, but nightlife and cultural diversity are limited compared to Omaha or Lincoln.
Clear Advancement Path: Strong local college programs and employer tuition support for LPN/RN.	Four Winters: Be prepared for cold, snowy winters and driving in icy conditions.

Final Recommendation: Kearney is an excellent choice for a pragmatic, career-focused CNA who values financial stability, a manageable lifestyle, and a clear path to advancement. It’s ideal for someone willing to invest in further education (LPN/RN) to maximize long-term earnings. If you seek high-energy city life, a vast array of employers, and a higher salary ceiling without additional education, Kearney may feel too limiting.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the job market for CNAs in Kearney?
A: It’s moderately competitive. With only 68 jobs in the metro, openings don’t stay unfilled for long, but the applicant pool is also smaller than in major cities. Having your certification in hand and a clean background check is key. Networking with instructors from your training program is invaluable.

Q: Is it worth it to get my CNA license just to work in Kearney?
A: Absolutely, if you plan to use it as a stepping stone. The $16.7/hour starting wage is a living wage in Kearney, and the employer support for further education (LPN/RN) is strong. It’s a low-risk, high-reward investment in your healthcare career.

Q: What are the biggest challenges for CNAs moving to Kearney from a larger city?
A: The biggest adjustment is the pace of life and the job market size. You’ll have fewer employer choices and may need to be flexible with shifts initially. The second challenge is the social aspect—it can take time to build a network outside of work.

Q: Do I need my own car in Kearney?
A: Yes. While there is a public bus system (KEARNEYtransit), its routes and hours are limited. A reliable car is essential for commuting to most healthcare shifts, which often start early in the morning or end late at night.

Q: What’s the single best piece of advice for a CNA moving to Kearney?
A: Get your license before you move. Having your Nebraska certification in hand makes you immediately hireable. Also, research the specific hiring cycles of Good Samaritan and the local nursing homes—apply 6-8 weeks before your planned move date.