Pharmacist in Kearney, NE

The Salary Picture: Where Kearney Stands

If you're a pharmacist looking at Kearney, you're probably running the numbers first. Let's be direct: Kearney isn't a top-tier market for pharmacy salaries, but its low cost of living can make your paycheck go much further than in larger metros. The median salary for a pharmacist in Kearney is $132,112/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $63.52/hour. That's a solid figure, but it's important to understand where it sits relative to experience and other cities in Nebraska.

The national average for pharmacists is $136,030/year, so Kearney is slightly below the national curve. However, this is typical for a smaller metro area. In Nebraska, you'll find higher salaries in the Omaha-Council Bluffs and Lincoln metros, where larger health systems and corporate chains can offer more competitive pay, often in the $135,000 - $140,000+ range. Kearney's market is driven by its regional hospital and local retail needs, which keeps salaries stable but not at the very top of the state's range.

Here's a realistic breakdown of salary by experience level in the Kearney area. These are estimates based on local job postings and Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for the region:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Factors in Kearney
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$110,000 - $120,000	Often starts in retail (Walgreens, CVS) or hospital staff roles. Nebraska's licensure requirements can be a hurdle.
Mid-Career (3-9 years)	$125,000 - $135,000	Moves into more specialized roles at CHI Health Good Samaritan or with increasing responsibility in chain management.
Senior (10-15 years)	$130,000 - $140,000	Lead Pharmacist, Pharmacy Manager, or niche roles in clinical settings. May include administrative duties.
Expert (15+ years)	$135,000 - $145,000+	Director-level positions, specialist consultants, or owners of small independent pharmacies. Top of the local market.

Insider Tip: The -3% 10-year job growth statistic is critical. This isn't unique to Kearney; it reflects a national trend of consolidation in retail pharmacy and automation in hospitals. However, Kearney's stable population of 34,024 means there's also stability—fewer openings, but also less turnover. Building relationships with the hiring managers at CHI Health Good Samaritan and local clinics is key, as many jobs aren't publicly posted for long.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The "sticker price" of a salary is just one part of the equation. In Kearney, your money stretches significantly further. The Cost of Living Index here is 90.4 (US avg = 100), and the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is just $678/month. Let's break down the monthly budget for a pharmacist earning the median $132,112/year.

• Gross Monthly Pay: $132,112 / 12 = $11,009
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~25-28% = $2,750 - $3,083
• Take-Home Pay (after taxes): $7,926 - $8,259 (varies by deductions)
• Rent (1BR average): $678
• Utilities, Internet, Phone: $200
• Groceries: $400
• Car Payment/Insurance (Kearney is car-dependent): $450
• Health Insurance & Retirement (401k, etc.): $800
• Miscellaneous (Entertainment, Dining, Savings): $1,500

Monthly Surplus (after all expenses): ~$3,900 - $4,232

This surplus is significant. Can you buy a home? Absolutely. With a 20% down payment on a median Kearney home (roughly $250,000), you'd need $50,000. At your saving rate, that's achievable in 12-15 months. A monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) on a $250k home would likely be in the $1,400 - $1,600 range, which is very manageable on this salary. This is a key advantage of Kearney: financial stability and homeownership are within reach for single professionals.

Where the Jobs Are: Kearney's Major Employers

Kearney's job market is centered around healthcare, education, and retail. For pharmacists, the opportunities are concentrated in a few key areas. The 68 jobs in the metro indicates a tight, competitive market where knowing the landscape is essential.

1. CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital: The largest employer in the region. They have a full-service inpatient pharmacy and outpatient retail pharmacy. They hire for staff pharmacists, clinical specialists, and pharmacy managers. Hiring is steady but slow; they often promote from within. Insider Tip: Connect with the Director of Pharmacy on LinkedIn. They value local candidates with Nebraska licensure already in hand.
2. Regional West Medical Center (in nearby North Platte): While not in Kearney proper, it's a major regional player (about a 45-minute drive) and often draws from the Kearney talent pool. A good backup option with similar pay scales.
3. Walgreens & CVS: Both have multiple locations in Kearney (e.g., 25th St, 1st Ave). These are the most common entry points. They offer nationally standardized pay, but the cost of living makes the retail grind more tolerable here. Turnover can be high, creating openings.
4. Nebraska Medicine - Kearney Clinic: Part of the University of Nebraska system, this outpatient clinic likely has pharmacy needs tied to its specialty services. It's a smaller, more niche employer than the hospital.
5. Independent Pharmacies: There are a few locally-owned pharmacies (e.g., Kearney Pharmacy, Platte River Pharmacy). They offer a more intimate work environment and direct patient care. They may be slower to hire but are worth building relationships with.
6. The University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK): While not a direct pharmacy employer, UNK's College of Natural and Social Sciences offers pre-pharmacy programs. This can be a source for future talent if you move into an academic or consulting role later.

Hiring Trends: Jobs are cyclical. New graduates are hired in late spring/summer. Positions at CHI Health open up during budget cycles (Q4) or when someone retires. Retail positions are posted year-round.

Getting Licensed in NE

Nebraska has a straightforward but detailed licensing process. You must be licensed by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Office of Licensure. Here’s the step-by-step:

1. Education: You must graduate from a Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE)-accredited pharmacy program.
2. Foreign Graduates: If you're an international pharmacy graduate (IPG), you'll need to go through the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee (FPGEC) certification process. This is a long and expensive path (can take 2+ years and cost over $5,000).
3. Examinations:
   • Pass the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) for Nebraska. This is a state-specific law exam.
   • Pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX).
   • Cost: The MPJE costs ~$150, and the NAPLEX costs ~$600. You may also need to pay for an additional state-specific exam if required.
4. Background Check: You must submit fingerprints for a state and federal criminal background check.
5. Application: Submit an application to the Nebraska DHHS with transcripts, exam scores, and fees. The total application fee is approximately $150-$200.
6. Timeline: If you're a U.S. graduate with all documents ready, you can expect the process to take 2-4 months. For IPGs, it can be 18-24 months.

Insider Tip: Nebraska's MPJE is considered moderately difficult. Use the state's official study materials and the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) resources. Start studying for it as soon as you graduate, as it's a requirement for licensure.

Best Neighborhoods for Pharmacists

Kearney is a city of distinct neighborhoods. Your choice depends on your commute, lifestyle, and whether you want to be near the hospital, downtown, or in a quieter suburb.

1. Central Kearney / Downtown (East Kearney): This is the historic heart. You're close to CHI Health Good Samaritan (5-minute commute), local restaurants, and the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Walkable to some amenities. It's an older housing stock with more apartments and townhomes. Rent Estimate: $650 - $800/month for a 1BR.
2. South Kearney (25th St Corridor): This is the commercial hub. Close to major retail (Walmart, Target, grocery stores) and many chain pharmacies. Commute to the hospital is 10-15 minutes. Newer apartment complexes and subdivisions dominate. Rent Estimate: $700 - $900/month for a 1BR.
3. West Kearney (Near UNK): A mix of student housing and family homes. Quieter, with good access to parks and the Platte River. Commute to the hospital is 10-15 minutes. This area has a younger, college-town vibe. Rent Estimate: $600 - $750/month for a 1BR, with more shared housing options.
4. North Kearney (Harbor Heights): A more suburban, newer development. Larger homes, less congestion. Commute is 15-20 minutes. Ideal for pharmacists looking to buy a home and start a family. Rent Estimate: $750 - $950/month for a 1BR, but more 2BR options for singles seeking space.
5. Rural Adjacent (Axtell, Elm Creek, Minden): For those who want a truly small-town feel and a longer commute (20-40 minutes). These areas have dramatically lower housing costs but fewer amenities. Rent Estimate: $450 - $600/month for a 1BR or small house.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Kearney is minimal. A "bad" commute is 20 minutes. Live where you want to be, not just for the commute. The best "value" for singles is often in West Kearney or Central, balancing cost and lifestyle.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With a -3% 10-year job growth, your career trajectory in Kearney requires strategic thinking. It's not about climbing a corporate ladder in the same company; it's about diversifying your skills and value.

• Specialty Premiums: The most significant salary bump comes from specialization. In Kearney, that means:
  • Oncology/Infusion: At CHI Health Good Samaritan. Requires additional certification (e.g., BCOP). Can add $5,000 - $10,000 to your salary.
  • Compounding: Mastering sterile and non-sterile compounding makes you invaluable to independent pharmacies and hospital outpatient clinics.
  • Ambulatory Care: Working directly in a clinic (e.g., diabetes, anticoagulation) within a health system. This is a growing area and pays a premium over standard staff roles.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Clinical Specialist: Requires a PGY1 residency, which is not guaranteed in Kearney (you may need to travel for it). This is a high-value path.
  2. Pharmacy Manager: Move from staff pharmacist to overseeing a retail or hospital department. This adds administrative and leadership duties.
  3. Director of Pharmacy: The top role at a smaller hospital or clinic. Requires significant experience and business acumen.
  4. Independent Owner: The ultimate growth path. With good credit and a business plan, you could buy an existing independent pharmacy. This is high-risk but high-reward.
• 10-Year Outlook: The market will remain tight. Pharmacists who will thrive are those who:
  • Embrace Technology: Become an expert in the pharmacy's software systems.
  • Develop Niche Expertise: Become the go-to person for a specific therapeutic area.
  • Build Community Ties: Invest in local networks (e.g., the Rotary Club, medical society events). In a small city, reputation is everything.

The Verdict: Is Kearney Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living: Your salary of $132,112 feels like $160,000+ in a major city. Homeownership is easy.	Limited Job Growth (-3%): Fewer openings mean less mobility. You may need to create your own opportunity.
Stable, Close-Knit Community: Easy to integrate and build deep professional and personal networks.	Isolated: It's a 2.5-hour drive to Omaha or Colorado. Travel for conferences or leisure requires planning.
Excellent Work-Life Balance: Minimal commute, no traffic, and a focus on family-friendly activities.	Fewer Specialties: Limited exposure to ultra-niche pharmacy fields compared to academic medical centers.
Strong Regional Hospital: CHI Health Good Samaritan is a solid employer with opportunities for advancement.	Smaller Social/Dating Pool: For singles, the options are more limited than in a larger metro.
Safe & Clean: Consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in Nebraska.	Car-Dependent: Public transit is virtually nonexistent.

Final Recommendation: Kearney is an excellent choice for pharmacists who prioritize financial stability, homeownership, and a family-oriented lifestyle over the constant hustle of a large city. It's ideal for mid-career pharmacists looking to settle down, or for new graduates willing to start in retail to establish themselves. If you crave the energy of a major metropolitan area with top-tier specialty pharmacies, Kearney may feel limiting. For those who value community, low cost, and a manageable pace of life, Kearney offers a compelling and financially rewarding package.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the job market for the 68 pharmacy jobs in the metro?
A: Very competitive but in a specific way. There aren't many openings, so when one appears (especially at CHI Health), you're competing against a small, local pool. Having your Nebraska license in hand at the time of application is a massive advantage. It's less about volume and more about being the right fit when the rare opportunity arises.

Q: Is a residency required to work in a Kearney hospital?
A: No, it is not strictly required for a staff pharmacist position at CHI Health Good Samaritan. However, for a clinical specialist role (e.g., in oncology), a PGY1 residency is typically expected. Many pharmacists start in a generalist role and specialize in-house.

Q: What's the real-world commute like?
A: Outstanding. The average commute in Kearney is under 15 minutes. Even from the farthest residential areas, you're looking at 20 minutes max. This is one of the biggest quality-of-life benefits. You can easily run home for lunch or have a longer evening.

Q: Can I get by without a car in Kearney?
A: Practically, no. While the downtown area is walkable, most neighborhoods, employers, and shopping centers are spread out. A car is a necessity for daily life and work.

Q: How does the -3% job growth affect future salary potential?
A: It means salaries will likely grow slowly, tied to inflation rather than market demand. Your best bet for a significant raise is to change employers (e.g., from retail to hospital) or gain a specialized certification. The low cost of living means your purchasing power remains high even with modest salary growth.