Physical Therapist in Kearney, NE

The Salary Picture: Where Kearney Stands

As a career analyst who’s spent years watching the healthcare labor market in Nebraska, I can tell you Kearney offers a compelling mix of solid pay and a low cost of living, especially for physical therapists. The median salary for a Physical Therapist in Kearney sits at $96,838/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $46.56/hour. It’s important to understand that this median figure is a midpoint—half of all PTs in the metro area earn more, and half earn less. This median is slightly below the national average of $99,710/year, but that gap is far less significant when you factor in Kearney’s affordability, which we’ll break down later.

The local job market is stable but specialized. There are approximately 68 jobs for physical therapists in the metro area at any given time, a figure that reflects consistent demand rather than explosive growth. However, the 10-year job growth projection for the profession is a healthy 14%, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by an aging population and increased focus on rehabilitative care, ensuring long-term stability for PTs in the region.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salary progression in Kearney, while steady, is heavily influenced by specialization, setting (hospital vs. private practice), and leadership roles. Here’s a realistic breakdown based on local market data and industry standards for the region.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary (Kearney)	Key Factors
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$78,000 - $88,000	Typically in outpatient clinics or hospital rotations. Strong mentorship is common in local systems.
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$90,000 - $105,000	Specialization (e.g., orthopedics, pediatrics) or taking on a lead therapist role.
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$105,000 - $120,000	Often involves clinical director positions, managing teams, or elite specialist roles.
Expert/Leadership	15+ years	$120,000+	Department heads, private practice owners, or consultants for major regional systems.

Comparison to Other Nebraska Cities

Kearney’s salary is competitive within Nebraska, especially when you weigh it against cost of living. The state’s larger metros often have higher nominal salaries but also significantly higher housing and transportation costs.

City	Median Salary (PT)	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Key Local Driver
Kearney	$96,838	90.4	University of Nebraska at Kearney, regional medical hub.
Omaha	~$102,000	~94.5	Major healthcare networks (CHI, Methodist), larger population.
Lincoln	~$98,500	~93.0	State capital, university influence, strong hospital systems.
Grand Island	~$92,000	~89.0	Regional healthcare center, but smaller market than Kearney.

Data sources: BLS OES, BestPlaces.net, local job postings.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. A median salary of $96,838/year sounds great, but what does it mean for your monthly budget in Kearney? Using conservative estimates for taxes (federal, state, FICA) and local cost-of-living data, here’s a realistic picture.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Single PT (No Dependents)

• Gross Monthly Income: $96,838 / 12 = $8,070

• Estimated Taxes (22-25% combined): -$1,800

• Net Monthly Income (Take-Home): ~$6,270

• Rent (1BR Average): $678

• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet, Water): $200

• Groceries: $400

• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: $600 (Assuming a modest car loan)

• Health Insurance (Employer-Subsidized): $300

• Retirement Savings (10%): $807

• Discretionary/Entertainment: $1,285

Monthly Totals:

• Fixed Costs (Rent, Utilities, Insurance): ~$1,178
• Variable Necessities (Food, Transport): ~$1,000
• Savings & Discretionary: ~$4,092

This budget leaves a substantial cushion—over $4,000 for savings, student loan payments, or discretionary spending. This is the Kearney advantage: your salary stretches much further than in a coastal city.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Absolutely. With a strong credit score and a down payment, homeownership is very attainable. The median home price in the Kearney metro is approximately $230,000. Using the common 28/36 rule (housing costs ≤ 28% of gross income):

• Monthly Mortgage (incl. taxes/insurance): ~$1,400 - $1,600
• 28% of Gross Income: $2,260

A PT earning the median salary is well within this range. Many local PTs I've spoken with have purchased homes within 3-5 years of moving to Kearney, often opting for homes in the $180k-$250k range in neighborhoods like the East Hill or South Kearney areas.

Where the Jobs Are: Kearney's Major Employers

The 68 available jobs are concentrated in a few key employers. The market is dominated by a regional medical center and a strong network of outpatient practices. Hiring trends show a steady need for PTs, with a slight uptick in demand for those with orthopedic and neurological specialties.

1. CHI Health Good Samaritan: The largest employer and the region's primary hospital. They run a robust inpatient rehab unit and outpatient clinics. They often hire new grads for their residency program and experienced PTs for specialty roles. Insider Tip: Good Sam is known for strong benefits and a family-like culture, but it can be administratively heavy.

2. OrthoNebraska (Kearney Clinic): A major regional orthopedic group with a significant presence in Kearney. They focus exclusively on musculoskeletal care and are a top destination for PTs seeking orthopedic specialization. Their clinics are modern and they invest in continuing education.

3. Kearney Regional Medical Center (KRMC): The other major hospital system in town. They have a smaller but growing outpatient rehab department and handle acute care. It's a good option for PTs who want a different hospital culture than Good Sam.

4. Independent Outpatient Clinics: There are several locally-owned PT clinics, such as Kearney Physical Therapy and ProActive Physical Therapy. These often offer more autonomy and a direct, patient-focused model. Hiring can be more sporadic but often results in long-term careers.

5. University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK): While not a direct PT employer, UNK's Kinesiology and Sports Science department is a feeder for talent and research partnerships. The university's own sports medicine clinic also hires PTs and ATCs.

6. Home Health Agencies: Companies like Interim HealthCare and Visiting Nurse Association hire PTs for home-based care, which is a growing segment due to the aging population. This offers flexibility and a different pace.

Getting Licensed in NE

Nebraska’s licensing process is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail. The state is a member of the Physical Therapy Compact (PT Compact), which can simplify multi-state licensing for eligible candidates, but all must start with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Education: Graduate from a CAPTE-accredited DPT program.
2. Exams: Pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for PTs.
3. Jurisprudence Exam: Pass the Nebraska Jurisprudence Exam (a state-specific law and rules exam).
4. Background Check: Complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check.
5. Application: Submit the application, fees, and supporting documents to the NE DHHS, Board of Physical Therapy.

Costs & Timeline:

• NPTE Exam Fee: ~$485
• NE Jurisprudence Exam Fee: ~$150
• License Application Fee: ~$250
• Background Check: ~$50
• Total Estimated Cost: $935 (excluding travel for exams)
• Timeline: If you have all documents ready and pass exams on the first try, the process can take 2-4 months. Delays often occur with background checks or application reviews.

Source: Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services, FSBPT.

Best Neighborhoods for Physical Therapists

Kearney’s neighborhoods are defined by their proximity to employers, schools, and lifestyle. Commutes are generally short (under 15 minutes), so you can prioritize lifestyle.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Proximity to Employers	Avg. 1BR Rent
East Hill	Historic, tree-lined streets. 10-15 min to downtown/hospitals. Young professionals and families.	Close to Good Sam, KRMC, and downtown clinics.	$700 - $850
South Kearney	Newer developments, modern homes. 10 min to anywhere. Popular with young families.	Central to all employers. Easy access to Highway 30.	$725 - $900
Downtown/ Historic	Walkable, vibrant, with cafes and bars. 5-min commute to Good Sam. More apartments than houses.	Best walkability to Good Sam and downtown practices.	$650 - $800
Northeast & West Kearney	Established, quiet, affordable. 10-15 min commute. More single-family homes.	Slightly farther from hospitals but still very convenient.	$600 - $750
University Area (UNK)	Quiet, student-influenced. 10 min to hospitals. More rental options, lower costs.	Close to UNK's facilities and a short drive to hospitals.	$550 - $700

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Kearney, career advancement is less about jumping to a new system and more about deepening expertise and taking on leadership within the existing stable network.

Specialty Premiums: While not always a formal pay bump, specialties make you more valuable and can lead to higher-tier positions.

• Orthopedics: In high demand at OrthoNebraska and Good Sam. Can lead to clinical specialist roles.
• Pediatrics: Limited but growing opportunities, often within school systems or private clinics.
• Neurological: Needed in hospital inpatient rehab and home health.
• Sports PT: Tied to UNK athletics and local high school partnerships.

Advancement Paths:

1. Clinical Specialist: Become the go-to expert in a niche (e.g., vestibular, pelvic health).
2. Clinical Instructor: Mentor DPT students from UNK or other programs.
3. Department Manager/Director: Oversee a team in a hospital or large clinic (e.g., Director of Rehab at Good Sam).
4. Private Practice Owner: The ultimate goal for many. Opening a niche clinic (e.g., sports performance, pelvic health) can be lucrative given the underserved market.

10-Year Outlook: The 14% job growth is your security blanket. Kearney’s aging population and status as a regional hub mean demand will remain steady. The key to long-term growth will be embracing telehealth and niche specialties to stay ahead of market shifts.

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 career and life.

Pros	Cons
Cost of Living: 10% below national average. Your salary has major purchasing power.	Limited Specialization: Fewer niche opportunities than in Omaha or Lincoln.
Strong Job Stability: 68 jobs, 10-year growth of 14%, anchored by major employers.	Smaller Social Scene: Fewer cultural events, concerts, and dining options.
Manageable Commute: 10-15 minutes is the norm, freeing up personal time.	Weather: Winters are cold and windy; summers are hot and humid.
Community Feel: Easy to build connections through work, UNK, and local events.	Professional Growth Plateau: May need to create your own niche or move for higher leadership roles.
Outdoor Access: Excellent parks, trails, and proximity to Platte River for recreation.	Conservative Culture: Socially, it's more traditional than a coastal city.

Final Recommendation: Kearney is an ideal choice for a physical therapist who values work-life balance, financial stability, and a strong sense of community over a bustling, high-cost urban environment. It's perfect for those who want to own a home, enjoy the outdoors, and build a long-term career in a supportive, stable healthcare system. If you crave cutting-edge research and a vast array of specialty clinics, you may find it limiting.

FAQs

1. How competitive is the job market for new PT graduates in Kearney?
It's moderately competitive. The major employers (Good Sam, OrthoNebraska) have residency or mentorship programs that favor local UNK graduates or those with strong clinical rotations in the Midwest. Networking during your final clinicals is crucial. Apply early and be flexible with settings.

2. What is the typical patient load and work-life balance like?
In outpatient settings, expect 10-14 patients per day. In hospitals, caseloads can be higher but are managed in teams. The biggest advantage in Kearney is the short commute, which adds significant time back to your day. Most PTs work a standard M-F, 8-5 schedule, though some outpatient clinics offer extended hours.

3. Are there opportunities for side gigs or PRN work?
Yes. PRN (as-needed) positions are common, especially in home health and at smaller clinics covering vacations or leaves. This can be a great way to earn extra income ($50-$60/hour is typical for PRN) and explore different settings.

4. How important is the Nebraska Jurisprudence Exam?
Very. It's not just a formality. The exam tests your knowledge of the Nebraska Physical Therapy Practice Act and state regulations. Study guides are available on the NE DHHS website. Many people fail it on the first try by underestimating it.

5. What’s the social scene like for young professionals?
It's active but intimate. The social scene revolves around UNK events, brewery outings (like The Alley or Thunderhead Brewing), community sports leagues, and church groups. It’s easy to meet people, but you have to put in the effort. The lack of anonymity means your reputation matters, both professionally and socially.

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) Board of Physical Therapy, BestPlaces.net Cost of Living Data, Local employer websites and job postings (2023-2024).